A Louisiana mayor who abruptly took a leave of absence and resigned from office last week is facing charges that he raped a minor while in office.
Louisiana State Police announced that former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts has been charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Announced On Thursday.
The investigation into the 42-year-old, two-term mayor was launched July 26 after the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office asked state police to look into the allegations against Roberts.
“As the investigation progressed, the Metropolitan Police Special Prosecutor’s Office interviewed two boys, one of whom was the victim. Both boys acknowledged that Roberts had sexual contact with one of the boy victims while he was Mayor,” the statement read.
A warrant for Roberts’ arrest was issued Wednesday before she turned herself in to police.
According to jail records, Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail at 10:13 a.m. and released 77 minutes later on $75,000 bail.
Roberts’ lawyer maintained his client’s innocence but criticized police for not speaking with the former mayor before his arrest.
“It is an honor to represent Misty Roberts. My client found out late last night that there was a warrant even though she had not been contacted for an interview prior to investigators obtaining the warrant,” Adam Johnson said. According to KPLC. “My client maintains his innocence and, as things stand, is in fact innocent.”
“We trust that the public will respect the constitutional presumption of innocence that is fundamental to our nation’s justice system,” he added. “Misty and her family are extremely grateful for the support they have received from friends and neighbors and look forward to moving forward toward overcoming this unfortunate situation.”
Her arrest came after she announced she would be away from work for two weeks on July 26 as police began their investigation, the outlet reported.
DeRidder Fire Chief Ken Harlow has been appointed interim city manager.
But the next day, the disgraced former mayor submitted his resignation to the city council.
“For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been the foundation of my tenure as Mayor,” Roberts wrote.
“This role has allowed me to build many great relationships, and I’ve been honored to witness how our community has come together and worked so hard to get through these unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities,” she added.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office must officially announce his resignation before City Council President Randy Larken begins serving as mayor pro tempore until a new mayor is elected on March 29, 2025.
DeRidder is a city of just under 10,000 people located on the western side of the state, about 20 miles from the Texas-Louisiana border.
