A former mayor from Louisiana is in the spotlight after abruptly resigning from her position and subsequently being charged with a serious crime.
Misty Roberts Clanton, who served as the Mayor of DeRidder, recently announced her resignation and was arrested shortly after on allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Clanton, who is 42 years old, turned herself in to authorities on Thursday. According to Louisiana State Police, she is accused of having sexual intercourse with a juvenile victim while she was in office.
Investigators from the Special Victim’s Unit interviewed two juveniles, one of whom confirmed the allegations against Clanton.
She was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on charges of third-degree rape but was released later that day on a $75,000 bond.
Her attorney, Adam Johnson, has come forward to defend her, asserting her innocence.
He stated that Clanton learned about the warrant only late at night and was not contacted for an interview prior to the warrant being issued.
Legal Defense and Public Response
Johnson emphasized that Clanton maintains her innocence and stressed that she has not been convicted of any crime. He urged the public to respect her presumption of innocence, which is a cornerstone of the legal system.
Johnson also expressed gratitude for the support Clanton and her family have received from their community and expressed hope for a resolution to this difficult situation.
Resignation and Career
Just a week before her arrest, Clanton had announced a temporary leave from her duties and appointed an acting mayor. Her resignation came the following day.
In her resignation letter, she reflected on her nearly 15 years of service, expressing pride in her accomplishments and gratitude for the community’s support.
Clanton, who was re-elected in 2022 with a significant majority, was serving her second term as mayor. Despite her sudden departure and the serious charges against her, Clanton’s resignation letter highlighted her dedication to the city and the strong relationships she built during her tenure.
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