DeRidder Ex-Mayor Clanton Arrested on Rape Charges

Misty Roberts Clanton, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, resigned on July 27, 2024, amid allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile. She was subsequently arrested on August 1, 2024, and charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The investigation, initiated by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, involved interviews with two minors, one of whom identified as the victim. Clanton, DeRidder's first female mayor, was released on a $75,000 bond shortly after her arrest. Her attorney has stated that Clanton maintains her innocence and was not interviewed prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant. The case remains under investigation by the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit.