Misty Roberts Clanton, the now-former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was detained Thursday after she was accused of engaging in illicit sexual activity with a minor, prompting her immediate resignation.
Clanton, 42, who served as DeRidder’s first female mayor and was in her second term, resigned on Saturday, effective immediately, as the Daily Caller reports.
In her resignation note obtained by KPLC, Clanton expressed her dedication to the town she served. “For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor,” she wrote, explaining the need to refocus her priorities. Clanton submitted her letter to the DeRidder City Council.
The Louisiana State Police (LSP) released details of Clanton’s arrest, revealing that its Special Victims Unit commenced an investigation on July 26. Following interviews with two juveniles, the LSP confirmed that Clanton had sexual relations with one of them during her tenure as mayor.
After the inquiry, Clanton voluntarily surrendered to authorities. She has been hit with charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Adam Johnson, Clanton’s attorney, conveyed that she “maintains her innocence” and trusts that the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence.
Clanton was released on a $75,000 bond following her detention. This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through the small town of DeRidder, which boasts a population of fewer than 11,000 residents.
Having served DeRidder for almost fifteen years, Clanton had plans to run for a third term before her abrupt resignation. In recent years, she divorced her husband, affirming that it was a “personal decision” without any scandalous factors.
As DeRidder’s first female mayor, Clanton has been a notable figure in the community. She acknowledges the challenging public perception women in leadership roles often face. “I’ve learned there are a group of people who expect women to be perfect,” she remarked. Despite the gravity of the charges, Clanton’s attorney is confident in her innocence and calls for the public’s patience and open-mindedness as the legal proceedings unfold.
Clanton’s resignation and subsequent arrest have left the local community grappling with mixed emotions. The charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles are severe, and the details revealed by the LSP investigation paint a troubling picture of events. The focus now shifts to the legal arena, where Adam Johnson will represent Clanton, defending her stance of innocence.
The LSP continues to underscore the seriousness of the charges, making it clear that their investigation was thorough, involving multiple interviews and corroborating evidence from the juveniles involved.
As a prominent local figure who once aimed for a third term, Clanton’s legacy is now marred by these damning accusations. Whether her claims of innocence will stand up in court remains to be seen, but the impact on her reputation is already significant.
DeRidder residents are left to reconcile their former mayor's leadership and dedication to the town with the gravity of the charges against her. Clanton’s decision to step down has provided a degree of immediate resolution, but the long-term repercussions will unfold in the coming months and possibly years.
The legal process is expected to be closely followed by both residents and broader audiences, as it touches on larger societal issues regarding leadership, trust, and accountability.
