A former small-town mayor who once made history in western Louisiana is now fighting to salvage her name in a courtroom where prosecutors say a “lewd and lascivious picture” will speak louder than any speech she ever gave at city hall.

Misty Clanton Roberts, 43, the former mayor of DeRidder, is on trial on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Roberts has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

During opening statements Thursday, Prosecutor Charles Robinson told jurors that investigators uncovered text messages and a photograph allegedly taken the night of the incident. According to reporting by KPLC, Robinson described the image as damning.

“A lewd and lascivious picture is worth a thousand words, and that was what was uncovered,” Robinson told the court.

Roberts, who served two terms as mayor and was the first woman elected to lead DeRidder, resigned in 2024 shortly before her arrest. She had won reelection in 2022 as an independent.

The prosecution contends that messages between Roberts and the alleged victim’s mother will play a central role in the case. Robinson said the texts show the juvenile’s mother contacted Roberts to ensure she was not pregnant. According to the state, Roberts allegedly replied that she was on birth control.

Jurors are also expected to hear testimony from a driver who allegedly delivered Plan B to Roberts’ residence, the outlet reported.

Roberts’ defense team sharply disputes the allegations and the narrative surrounding them.

Her attorney, Adam Johnson, has previously said Roberts “maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.” Following her arrest in 2024, Johnson urged the public to remember the presumption of innocence.

“We trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice,” Johnson said at the time. “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.”

In court this week, Johnson suggested the case gained traction through online chatter before authorities became involved.

“Rumor became the story, and story became the press release,” Johnson said, according to KPLC.

He also argued that the alleged victim did not initially acknowledge that any incident occurred and only began “embracing” the narrative after his girlfriend left him and rumors had spread.

The trial marks a second attempt to resolve the case. Proceedings previously ended in a mistrial, leaving the allegations unresolved and Roberts’ political legacy in limbo.

Now, a new jury must weigh competing versions of events: a prosecution that promises explicit evidence and corroborating testimony, and a defense that insists the story grew from gossip amplified online.

The trial was expected to continue Friday, with the possibility of extending into Saturday. The judge indicated jurors would receive Sunday off if deliberations stretch that far.