A Louisiana political career unraveled after court records revealed a string of urgent and emotional text messages sent by a former mayor in the aftermath of an alleged encounter with a 16-year-old boy.
According to the New York Post, Misty Roberts, 43, resigned as mayor of DeRidder — a town of about 9,800 residents — just days before her 2024 arrest.
A criminal complaint cited in reports showed Roberts reached out to her ex-husband, Duncan Clanton, after the alleged incident came to light, per The Daily Mail.
“I need to talk to you,” she texted him, according to court documents. “I just need to tell you in person.”
“I f—ked up. And I respect you enough to tell you. And I need to,” Roberts added.
The filings also detail a text exchange between Roberts and the teen’s mother. The mother sought reassurance about potential consequences stemming from the alleged encounter.
“Out of respect for both our families, can you assure me that you can’t be pregnant?” the 16-year-old boy’s mother asked.
“Yes,” Roberts replied.
“So no protection? Are you on birth control, have you had tubal, hysterectomy??” the mother pressed.
Roberts responded that she was on “birth control,” and said the situation “didn’t reach that point in those few minutes to have that concern.”
“I understand the concern. But, I can assure you of that,” she continued.
Court documents also show Roberts sent messages to a juvenile identified by the initials “H.R.”
It is unclear from the filings whether that individual was her son.
“I love you and I am so sorry,” Roberts wrote. “I cannot even believe it. I am sick.”
“That shouldn’t happen,” she added.
“I really hope this doesn’t blow up even worse … I’m scared to death.”
Roberts was initially charged with rape but now faces two counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. She has pleaded not guilty.
Jurors were told during trial proceedings that a DoorDash driver delivered emergency contraception to her home in 2024. The delivery was referenced as part of the prosecution’s case.
Additional allegations outlined in the complaint describe behavior prosecutors say occurred during a 2024 gathering at Roberts’ home. Testimony from her children was also presented to jurors.
The case remains ongoing.
