Ex-Mayor Accused of Sex Crimes in Louisiana

Misty Clanton Roberts faces charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Misty Clanton Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, is accused of having sexual relations with a minor while in office. Prosecutors say the investigation revealed text messages and a 'lewd' photo between Roberts and the alleged victim's mother. Roberts has pleaded not guilty, and her attorney claims the case was built on 'rumor' that became 'the story'.

Why it matters

The case against the former mayor, who was the first woman to hold the office in DeRidder, raises serious allegations of abuse of power and misconduct in office. It also highlights the challenges of prosecuting high-profile sex crime cases, where the credibility of both the accuser and the accused can be called into question.

The details

Prosecutors said the investigation uncovered text messages between Roberts and the alleged victim's mother, in which the mother asked if Roberts was pregnant and Roberts replied she was on birth control. They also said a photo of Roberts and the boy on the night of the alleged incident was found. Roberts' attorney claimed the boy did not initially acknowledge the incident, but 'embraced' the rumor after his girlfriend left him. The case previously ended in a mistrial.

  • Roberts was arrested shortly after resigning as mayor in 2024.
  • Roberts was serving her second term after winning reelection in 2022.

The players

Misty Clanton Roberts

The 43-year-old former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, who is accused of having sexual relations with a minor while in office. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Charles Robinson

The prosecutor in the case, who said during opening statements that the investigation revealed a 'lewd' photo of Roberts and the alleged victim.

Adam Johnson

The defense attorney for Misty Clanton Roberts, who claimed the case was built on 'rumor' that became 'the story' and that the boy did not initially acknowledge the incident.

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What they’re saying

“A lewd and lascivious picture is worth a thousand words, and that was what was uncovered.”

— Charles Robinson, Prosecutor (KPLC)

“Misty Roberts has committed no sex crime.”

— Adam Johnson, Defense Attorney (American Press)

What’s next

The trial was expected to continue on Friday, with the judge saying proceedings could go into Saturday. Jurors will be given a day off on Sunday if needed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and sensitive nature of prosecuting high-profile sex crime allegations, where the credibility of both the accuser and the accused can be called into question. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the former mayor, the community, and the broader discussion around abuse of power and misconduct in public office.