The DeRidder City Council has opted not to investigate allegations against former Mayor Misty Roberts Clanton because the Louisiana State Police is conducting its own.

Clanton submitted a letter of resignation to the council around noon on Saturday, July 27. The preceding Thursday, she submitted a letter to Council Clerk Glenna Luther announcing an unplanned two-week leave and appointing Fire Chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor in her absence.

These actions were accompanied by circulation allegations, which Council President Randy Larken, District 4, was made aware of on Wednesday via a phone call, he said.

“I don’t have, nor do I think that anyone else on the council, has any first-hand knowledge as to whether any allegations are true or untrue.”

No official information regarding the nature of the allegations has been disclosed.

After hearing rumors on Wednesday and Thursday, and receiving notice of Clanton’s leave, Larken said he met with City Attorney Charlie Lestage to determine steps moving forward. They then decided to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 30, to consider investigating the allegations.

Larken said the decision was made to hold the special meeting prior to learning about the Louisiana State Police’s investigation on Monday.

LSP told the American Press they were asked to investigate Clanton, but since the ongoing investigation is still in its initial phases, there is no information to share.

“The city pledges its full support and cooperation with the State Police and this investigation,” Larken said. “As a council, we also recognize that all citizens have a constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial. Those citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“This council is not a court. You, the citizens in attendance, are not the jury, and these council chambers are not a court of law. The last thing this council wants to do is to interfere with a state police’s investigation.”

He urged any citizen information, evidence or allegations to contact LSP directly.

Moving forward

According to Louisiana election laws, Clanton’s resignation will not be official until the Louisiana Secretary of State receives a signed and notarized copy of her resignation. As of the close of business on Tuesday, the city has not received notice that the Secretary of State received this letter. Larken said he hopes they will by the end of the work week.

Harlow will remain Mayor Pro Tem until then.

The city’s charter states the president of the council is next in line to serve as mayor until a special election can be held. The next DeRidder special election is scheduled for March 29, 2025. An election to fill the District 2 seat — which is temporarily filled by Monte Mary Johnson Woods — will also take place that day.

Tuesday was Larken’s first meeting as council president after being appointed on July 22.