Louisiana
Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts, 42, accused of raping a minor — one week after abrupt resignation
A Louisiana mayor, who abruptly took a leave of absence before resigning last week, is accused of raping a minor during her time in office.
Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, Louisiana State Police announced on Thursday.
An investigation into the 42-year-old mayor, who was in her second term, was opened on July 26, after the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the state police look into a complaint against Roberts.
“As the investigation progressed, LSP SVU conducted interviews with two juveniles, one of which was the victim. Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as Mayor,” a statement read.
A warrant for Roberts’ arrest was issued on Wednesday before she surrendered herself to the police.
Roberts was booked into Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail at 10:13 a.m. and released 77 minutes later on a $75,000 bond, jail records show.
Roberts’ attorney called his client innocent while calling out law enforcement for not talking with the former mayor before her arrest.
“It is my honor to represent Misty Roberts. My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant,” Adam Johnson said, according to KPLC. “My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.”
“We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice,” he 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.”
Her arrest comes after she announced that she would step away from her office for two weeks on July 26, the same day police launched their probe, the outlet reported.
DeRidder Fire Chief Ken Harlow was appointed as her mayor pro tem.
But a day later, the disgraced former mayor submitted a letter of resignation to the city council.
“For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been my foundation while serving as Mayor,” Roberts wrote.
“This role has rewarded me with many great relationships. I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome through unprecedented times. However, I must adjust my focus and priorities,” she added.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office must make the resignation official, before City Council President Randy Larken begins serving as the city’s mayor pro tem until a new mayor is elected on March 29, 2025.
DeRidder, a city of just under 10,000 people, is situated on the west side of the state approximately 20 miles from the Texas-Louisiana border.
Louisiana
New ATV/UTV task force aimed at reducing the staggering deaths and injuries among young riders
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The North Louisiana Crime Lab released a June 2026 law enforcement bulletin warning of additional cases tied to cyclorphine, a synthetic opioid the lab says can be significantly more potent than fentanyl.
The bulletin, titled “Cyclorphine Update — Additional Cases & Footprint,” notes that drug evidence submissions testing positive for cyclorphine have been received from multiple parishes in North Louisiana.
What is cyclorphine?
According to the bulletin, cyclorphine is a synthetic opioid in the emerging orphine drug class. The lab said current toxicity data are limited, but laboratory studies indicate cyclorphine may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl.
Reported effects
The crime lab said cyclorphine can produce effects similar to other narcotic analgesics, including:
- Central nervous system depression
- Lethargy or stupor
- Respiratory depression with slow, shallow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
The bulletin said Narcan should be administered to someone suffering from cyclorphine toxicity, and that multiple doses may be needed.
What the bulletin says about trends
The crime lab said national data indicate cyclorphine will likely continue spreading through the region, including becoming more common in seized and submitted drug evidence.
Where cyclorphine has been detected
The bulletin includes a “detection timeline and counterfeit tablet types,” showing evidence submissions tied to specific parishes and dates, including:
- Caddo Parish (Feb. 19; April 14)
- Ouachita Parish (March 18; May 13)
- DeSoto Parish (March 25)
- Natchitoches Parish (May 14)
The lab also noted counterfeit pill types associated with these submissions, including tablets labeled “M30,” “M15,” “K56,” “1259,” and “M367.” Officials warned it may be impossible to know what a pill contains, even if it resembles a known tablet.
The North Louisiana Crime Lab said it will continue tracking trends and sharing updates as additional evidence is submitted.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
Before freedom was celebrated, it was fought for. Journey through Louisiana’s complex road from slavery to emancipation, where revolutionaries, musicians, educators, and everyday people challenged a system built on bondage. From the drumbeats of Congo Square to the sugar plantations of the German Coast, from acts of resistance and self-purchase to jubilant celebrations of emancipation, this powerful documentary uncovers the people, places, and events that shaped Louisiana’s unique path to freedom. Through compelling interviews, historic sites, and stories long overlooked, Emancipation Jubilee reveals a legacy of resilience that still echoes across the state today.
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