A Louisiana mayor was arrested earlier this week, just a week after her unexpected resignation, and now faces accusations of r*ping a minor.
The Louisiana State Police announced on Thursday that 42-year-old former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts turned herself in and has been charged with third-degree r*pe and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
On July 26, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit to investigate Roberts for allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile. Two juveniles provided information to authorities, stating that Roberts engaged in sexual activity with a minor, which led to an arrest warrant being issued.
The official statement regarding her arrest reads: “On July 26, 2024, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit (LSP SVU) to investigate a complaint against the former Mayor of DeRidder for allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 42-year-old Misty Roberts.
As the investigation progressed, LSP SVU conducted interviews with two juveniles, one of whom was the victim. Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with the juvenile victim while she was employed as Mayor. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Roberts from the Beauregard Parish 36th Judicial District Court.
On August 1, 2024, Roberts turned herself in to Investigators without incident. She was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on the charges of LRS 14:43 – Third-degree rape and LRS 14:92 – Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. This case remains under investigation.”
The New York Post reported that jail records show Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail at 10:13 a.m. and released 77 minutes later on a $75,000 bond.
Roberts’ attorney, Adam Johnson, told KPLC that it is an “honor” to represent her and asserted her innocence.
“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,” Johnson said, according to KPLC. “My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.”
On July 27, KPLC reported that Roberts handed in her resignation letter to the DeRidder City Council while they were considering an investigation into allegations of misconduct by her. A day earlier, Roberts had taken an extended leave of absence and appointed DeRidder Fire Chief Ken Harlow as Mayor Pro Tem.
