The day before Misty Roberts resigned, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a request for the Louisiana State Police Special Victims’ Unit to launch an investigation after receiving a complaint. This complaint alleged that Roberts, while serving as mayor, engaged in sexual activities with a minor.
Authorities from the Louisiana State Police interviewed two juveniles, one of whom was reportedly the victim. Both confirmed that Roberts had sexual relations with one of the juveniles during her tenure as mayor, as stated in the report.
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued by the Beauregard Parish 36th Judicial District Court. Roberts subsequently turned herself in on August 1, 2024, and was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Local news outlets reported that she was released on a $75,000 bond shortly after being booked.
Adam Johnson, the attorney representing Roberts, released a statement expressing Roberts’ position. “My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant. My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent. She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime. And we trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence, which is fundamental to our system of justice,” Johnson stated.
He further added, “Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors, and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them.”
According to the American Press, the initial charges against Roberts were dismissed, resulting in a mistrial. She was later re-indicted and then arraigned on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
