Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was arrested on Thursday following accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Roberts, 42, who resigned from her position just days prior, was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The arrest comes amidst a growing investigation by the Louisiana State Police.
Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center at 10:13 a.m. and released at 11:30 a.m. on a $75,000 bond, according to records from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. The charges stem from an investigation requested by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office last Friday, which prompted the state police's Special Victim's Unit to look into a complaint against Roberts.
The investigation involved interviews with two minors, one of whom was identified as the alleged victim. Both minors reportedly confirmed that Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile while she was serving as mayor. "Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor," police stated in their report.
Roberts' attorney, Robert Johnson, has firmly denied the allegations, asserting her innocence. "My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent. She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime," Johnson said in a statement reported by WAFB-TV. He also noted that Roberts learned of the warrant late on Wednesday and had not been contacted for an interview before the warrant was issued.
The former mayor's resignation followed an initial announcement on Friday that she would step away from office for two weeks. However, Roberts tendered her resignation the following day. In her resignation statement, Roberts reflected on her tenure, saying, "For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor. 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' sudden departure and subsequent arrest have sent shockwaves through the small community of DeRidder, a town with a population of about 10,000 located approximately 50 miles north of Lake Charles, near the Texas border. The city's website details Roberts' background, noting her graduation from DeRidder High School in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from McNeese State University in 2004. Before becoming mayor, Roberts served as the city's director of community service for nine years.
The charges against Roberts have cast a pall over her career and raised serious questions about her conduct while in office. The investigation is ongoing, and the case will likely proceed through the legal system in the coming months. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office has not released further details regarding the nature of the evidence or the timeline of the alleged incidents.
