On Friday, February 14, 2025, KPLC reported that attorneys representing former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts Clanton have requested that both judges in Beauregard Parish recuse themselves from her ongoing legal proceedings. The request stems from concerns over the judges’ potential conflicts of interest due to their close ties with Roberts’ ex-husband.
Roberts faces serious charges, having been arrested on August 1, 2024, for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor. Her legal team, led by attorney Adam Johnson, filed the motion to recuse, citing Judge Martha O’Neal’s previous communications with Roberts’ ex-husband as a primary reason for their concern. According to the motion, Judge O’Neal reached out to the ex-husband before overseeing a custody case involving the couple’s children, which raised questions about her impartiality.
In a letter, Judge O’Neal acknowledged sending an email to Roberts’ ex-husband, claiming it was necessary to address issues affecting their children. This email allegedly included Roberts’ bond conditions following her arrest in July 2024. During a custody hearing in December 2024, Judge O’Neal denied Roberts’ request for a continuance to secure legal representation, stating that the former mayor had ample time to find a lawyer. The judge also mandated that Roberts meet with her ex-husband’s attorney to negotiate a custody agreement, resulting in a shared custody arrangement that named the ex-husband as the domiciliary parent.
Attorney Johnson also expressed concerns about the possibility of outside influences affecting the case. He reported that during a meeting with Judge O’Neal and the district attorney’s office, she mentioned receiving numerous calls regarding the case, which she wished to avoid. Furthermore, Johnson claimed that O’Neal indicated new information had been introduced to the court, leading to additional bond conditions, although he was unaware of what this information entailed.
In response to a public records request from the defense for all communications related to Roberts, the judges stated that only limited correspondence was found. However, they are currently seeking guidance from the attorney general’s office regarding their obligations to comply with the request. The defense has also asked Judge C. Kerry Anderson to recuse himself, citing his relationship by marriage to Roberts’ ex-husband.
As the only two judges in Beauregard Parish, O’Neal and Anderson have not publicly commented on the matter. District Attorney Jimmy Lestage declined to provide any statements regarding the case.
Source: KPLC
