Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Key Takeaways
- Profile: Who Is Misty Roberts Clanton?
- Resignation & Immediate Aftermath (July 26–27, 2024)
- Arrest & Charges (August 1–2, 2024)
- Legal Definitions & Statutes in Louisiana
- Indictment & Charge Evolution (October 2024)
- Judicial Recusal Ruling (June 3, 2025)
- Related Family Case: Brother’s Charges
- Defense Position & Presumption of Innocence
- What’s Next: Trial Timeline & Potential Outcomes
- Broader Implications & Public Response
- Summary Table: Timeline at a Glance
- Sources & Further Reading
1. Profile: Who Is Misty Roberts Clanton?
Misty Dawn Roberts Clanton, age 42, served as mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana—first elected in 2018, re‑elected 2022 as DeRidder’s first woman mayor. Her career in local governance was defined by community engagement and civic development until mid‑2024.
2. Resignation & Immediate Aftermath (July 2024)
On July 26, 2024, Clanton announced briefly she would take a two‑week leave from office and appointed the fire chief as acting mayor. One day later, July 27 she officially resigned, expressing love for the city and a shift in personal priorities
3. Arrest & Charges (August 1–2, 2024)
On August 1, 2024, Louisiana State Police arrested Clanton on third‑degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. She was released the same day on $75,000 bond. Investigators interviewed two juveniles, one victim, both confirming sexual activity while she was mayor
4. Legal Definitions in Louisiana
- Third‑degree rape: non‑consensual intercourse by force or under incapacitation (statutory context)
- Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile: sexual intercourse with a minor aged 13–16, regardless of consent
- Indecent behavior with a juvenile: exposure or communication of sexual nature to a minor
5. Indictment & Charge Evolution (October 2024)
In October 2024, a grand jury returned formal charges: felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and misdemeanor contributing to juvenile delinquency. Subsequent amendment in April 2025 added indecent behavior with a juvenile as an additional felony charge
6. Judicial Recusal Ruling (June 3, 2025)
From news on June 3, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court granted a motion to recuse both Beauregard Parish judges from the case, citing connections to Clanton’s ex‑husband and concerns over impartiality—though no explicit bias was alleged
7. Related Family Case: Brother’s Charges Misty Roberts Clanton
In October 2024, Clanton’s brother, Brandon Lee Roberts, age 39, was charged with multiple counts including rape of a teenage girl, sexual battery, obstruction, and indecent behavior with juveniles—raising community concerns about family dynamics and broader systemic issues
8. Defense Position & Presumption of Innocence
Attorney Adam Johnson maintains Clanton’s innocence, noting she was not interviewed prior to the arrest warrant and stressing the constitutional presumption of innocence. This defense stance is consistent across statements and subsequent court communications
9. What’s Next: Trial Timeline & Potential Outcomes
- No trial date has been set as of August 2025
- New judge assignment forthcoming post‑recusal
- Possible outcomes range from plea negotiations to full trial with felony sentencing (up to decades under Louisiana law)
10. Broader Implications & Public Response
- Small‑town governance trust eroded in DeRidder
- Highlights the role of judicial transparency, especially in communities with interconnected public officials
- Case prompts discussion on child protection protocols and law enforcement practices
Summary Table: Key Dates & Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2024 | Announced leave & acting mayor |
| July 27, 2024 | Official resignation |
| August 1, 2024 | Arrested & initial charges |
| October 2024 | Grand jury indictment |
| April 2025 | Charge amended to include indecent behavior |
| June 3, 2025 | Louisiana Supreme Court orders judge recusal |
For Further Reading & Legal Reference Sources:
📚 National & Local News Coverage:
- Associated Press:
Former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts Clanton arrested, accused of raping a minor
apnews.com - KPLC-TV Southwest Louisiana:
Comprehensive legal coverage, indictment details, and recusal updates - Newsweek:
National summary of arrest and public response
newsweek.com - The Sun (US Edition):
- KALB News Channel 5 (Alexandria, LA):
Coverage of related charges against her brother
kalb.com - WDBJ7:
Initial breaking news of arrest and allegations
wdbj7.com
⚖️ Legal Reference & Statutes:
- Louisiana Revised Statutes – Criminal Code:
Official laws relevant to the charges against Clanton - Louisiana Supreme Court Case Dockets:
Access to motions, rulings, and case assignments
lasupremecourt.org
Background Context:
- Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA):
Standards and policies for mayoral resignation, succession, and legal protocols in municipalities
lma.org - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
Educational material on child protection laws and prosecution trends in child exploitation cases
missingkids.org
