Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been found guilty of having sexual relations with a minor while she held office. The incident occurred in 2024 during an alcohol-fueled pool party, involving the 16-year-old friend of Roberts’ son.
DeRidder, a small city with a population under 10,000, has been at the center of this high-profile case. Roberts, 43, was convicted by a jury on two felony counts: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Reports indicate that the jury took less than an hour to reach their verdict.
Testimony from the victim revealed that he was intoxicated when the sexual encounter took place. Additional witnesses presented accounts that supported the allegations. Roberts’ son testified that he observed his mother engaging with his friend through a crack in a window. Her daughter also stated she saw Roberts and the victim together on top of each other.
Further evidence came from Roberts’ former close friend and sister-in-law, who recounted hearing Roberts’ son shouting that his mother had engaged in sexual activity with his friend. After the event, the victim’s mother reportedly contacted Roberts to discuss a possible pregnancy, to which Roberts assured her that she was on birth control.
Roberts resigned from her mayoral position shortly before her arrest in 2024. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 17, at which time she could face up to 17 years in prison.
