Former DeRidder, Louisiana mayor Misty Clanton Roberts is facing charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The charges stem from allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile while Roberts was mayor. Roberts turned herself in and was booked, but her attorney maintains her innocence and emphasizes her constitutional presumption of innocence. Roberts resigned as mayor less than a week before her arrest, appointing an acting mayor in her absence. She was the first woman to be elected as mayor of DeRidder in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. Roberts has a background in mass communications and previously worked as the city’s director of community service. She is currently out on $75,000 bond. Police began investigating Roberts after receiving a complaint from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Roberts has thanked her friends and neighbors for their support and looks forward to putting the situation behind her.
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