Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts, 42, accused of raping a minor — one week after abrupt resignation
A Louisiana mayor, who abruptly took a leave of absence before resigning last week, is accused of raping a minor during her time in office.
Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, Louisiana State Police announced on Thursday.
An investigation into the 42-year-old mayor, who was in her second term, was opened on July 26, after the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the state police look into a complaint against Roberts.
“As the investigation progressed, LSP SVU conducted interviews with two juveniles, one of which was the victim. Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor,” a statement read.
A warrant for Roberts’ arrest was issued on Wednesday before she surrendered herself to the police.
Roberts was booked into Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail at 10:13 a.m. and released 77 minutes later on a $75,000 bond, jail records show.
Roberts’ attorney called his client innocent while calling out law enforcement for not talking with the former mayor before her arrest.
“It is my honor to represent Misty Roberts. My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant,” Adam Johnson said, according to KPLC. “My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.”
“We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice,” he added. “Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them.”
Her arrest comes after she announced that she would step away from her office for two weeks on July 26, the same day police launched their probe, the outlet reported.
DeRidder Fire Chief Ken Harlow was appointed as her mayor pro tem.
But a day later, the disgraced former mayor submitted a letter of resignation to the city council.
“For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor,” Roberts wrote.
“This role has rewarded me with many great relationships. I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities,” she added.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office must make the resignation official, before City Council President Randy Larken begins serving as the city’s mayor pro tem until a new mayor is elected on March 29, 2025.
DeRidder, a city of just under 10,000 people, is situated on the west side of the state approximately 20 miles from the Texas-Louisiana border.
