A former mayor allegedly raped a minor one week before her sudden resignation from the position.
The Louisiana State Police issued a statement on Thursday that its Special Victim’s Unit was asked to investigate “a complaint against the former Mayor of DeRidder for allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile.”
Authorities said the investigation resulted in the arrest of 42-year-old Misty Roberts Clanton.
According to the statement, the Special Victim’s Unit interviewed two juveniles, who told police that Roberts “had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as mayor.”
Police said the former mayor surrendered without incident and she was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on charges of third-degree rape.
According to The New York Post, Roberts was released after she posted a $75,000 bond. She had been held for 77 minutes, per the publication.
An attorney for Roberts spoke with KPLC and criticized law enforcement for not speaking with the former mayor before the arrest.
“We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice,” Attorney Adam Johnson told KPLC. “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.”
Per The Post, Roberts was arrested after she announced she would step away from the office of mayor for two weeks on July 26. It was the same day authorities launched their investigation into the allegations, per the publication.
DeRidder Fire Chief Ken Harlow was appointed as acting mayor, according to The Post, which reported that Roberts announced her resignation just one day later.
“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,” Roberts wrote in a resignation letter obtained by The Post.
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Sounds a bit like a political scam .
What’s wrong with having a sexual relation with men close to her age? Big question is how old is the minor and when the age requirement with minor to become an adult?
Robert, have you not read the article in full? Are you joking? She is 42 years old and the child is a minor….. Gezzzze