Louisiana City’s First Female Mayor Faces Serious Charges
Misty Roberts, the first female mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was arrested on Thursday on charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, a week after her abrupt resignation. Roberts, 42, was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center following allegations of having sexual relations with a minor.
Investigation details and arrest
The investigation began when the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the state police’s Special Victim’s Unit to look into a complaint against Roberts. Two minors were interviewed, with one alleging sexual intercourse with Roberts while she was mayor.
Roberts’ attorney, Robert Johnson, asserted her innocence, stating, “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.”
Resignation and statement
Roberts initially announced she would take a two-week leave but resigned the following day. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude for her time as mayor, stating, “For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities.”
Legal proceedings
Roberts turned herself in without incident and was released on a $75,000 bond shortly after her arrest.
Roberts graduated from DeRidder High School in 2000 and earned a Bachelor of Science in mass communications from McNeese State University in 2004. She served as the city’s director of community service for nine years before becoming mayor.
DeRidder, with a population of about 10,000, is located approximately 50 miles north of Lake Charles, Louisiana, near the Texas border.