In a whirlwind of controversy and shock, Misty Roberts Clanton, the erstwhile mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, finds herself ensnared in an alarming scandal. The town’s former leader, who resigned under a cloud of secrecy last week, now stands accused of raping a minor during her mayoral tenure—a revelation that has left the community stunned.
BREAKING: A former Louisiana mayor who abruptly resigned from her role has been charged with the r*pe of a juvenile while in office.
Misty Roberts Clanton, former Mayor of DeRidder, announced her resignation last week and was arrested today on accusations of s*x with a minor.… pic.twitter.com/4hC8OjCRCq
— Andromeda11711 (@Andromeda11711) August 2, 2024
Louisiana State Police allege that Clanton, 42, engaged in illicit sexual activities with a juvenile while holding the office of mayor. The Special Victim’s Unit’s investigation, which involved interviews with two minors, confirmed these explosive allegations, bringing to light a grim narrative of abuse of power and trust.
Thursday saw Clanton’s dramatic surrender to law enforcement. She was booked at the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on third-degree rape charges, only to be released an hour later on a $75,000 bond. Her attorney, Adam Johnson, launched a vehement defense, decrying the lack of due process and insisting on her innocence.
“This is a travesty. Misty Roberts was blindsided by a warrant without even the courtesy of an interview. She is resolute in her innocence. Let’s remember, she hasn’t been formally charged or convicted. The presumption of innocence is not just a legal principle but a moral one. Misty and her family are overwhelmed by the support from the community and are eager to clear her name,” Johnson declared passionately.
Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Clanton Roberts, who resigned last week, has been arrested on allegations of rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. https://t.co/oTNdz1ZAeG pic.twitter.com/2rZTcmQrFB
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) August 1, 2024
The timeline of Clanton’s exit from office adds another layer of mystery. Just a week ago, she announced a two-week hiatus from her duties, appointing an interim mayor, only to tender her resignation the next day. Her resignation letter dripped with sentiment and nostalgia for her time in office.
“For nearly 15 years, my dedication to DeRidder has been unwavering. The relationships and achievements we’ve cultivated together fill me with immense pride. Our community’s resilience during unprecedented challenges has been awe-inspiring. However, it’s time for me to shift my focus and priorities. Please accept my resignation, effective immediately. To the residents: Thank you for your trust, love, and support. My love for DeRidder remains steadfast,” she penned with palpable emotion.
BREAKING: A former Louisiana mayor who abruptly resigned from her role has been charged with the r*pe of a juvenile while in office.
Misty Roberts Clanton, former Mayor of DeRidder, announced her resignation last week and was arrested today on accusations of s*x with a minor. pic.twitter.com/LZh0sE6389
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) August 2, 2024
Clanton’s second term, won with a commanding sixty percent vote in 2022, now lies in tatters. Her sudden downfall, mired in allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, has cast a dark shadow over her legacy, plunging the town into disbelief and chaos. The enigmatic details of her personal life only add to the swirling vortex of intrigue and scandal that now engulfs DeRidder.
Major Points
- Misty Roberts Clanton, ex-mayor of DeRidder, resigned suddenly and was arrested for allegedly having sex with a minor.
- Louisiana State Police allege Clanton, 42, engaged in sexual activity with a juvenile while serving as mayor.
- Investigators from the Special Victim’s Unit interviewed two juveniles, confirming Clanton’s alleged involvement with one of them.
- Clanton turned herself in on Thursday, facing third-degree rape charges, and was released on a $75,000 bond shortly after.
- Clanton’s attorney, Adam Johnson, asserts her innocence, criticizing the lack of prior contact before the warrant was issued, and urges the public to respect her presumption of innocence.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
