A former mayor from Louisiana has been handed a 90-day jail term after being found guilty of engaging in sexual conduct with a 16-year-old boy. Misty Roberts, 44, was convicted in March 2024 on two felony counts: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behaviour with a juvenile. Following her sentencing on 9 June, Roberts also faces significant legal and personal repercussions.
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In addition to her jail sentence, Roberts is required to register as a sex offender. Furthermore, she must pay a fine of $5,000 and will be subjected to regular drug screenings and psychological therapy once she is released from custody. The judge issued two five-year suspended sentences to run concurrently, which could be enforced if Roberts violates any conditions of her release.
During the sentencing hearing, the emotional impact of Roberts’ actions on the victim was starkly communicated by the teenage boy’s mother. She described Roberts as a “predator” who presented herself with “hair extensions, high heels, Botox, and other modifications.” The mother expressed concern for her son’s well-being, stating that the incident had cast a long shadow over his teenage years. “Every social event carried questions no teenager should have to ask… Half of his high school experience was taken from him,” she told the court.
Roberts, who served as the mayor of DeRidder at the time of the incidents, offered her own reflection during the proceedings. “I blame myself then, I blame myself today, and I will blame myself for the rest of my life… I let a lot of people down, and I am the only person responsible for that,” she said, also extending an apology to the victim’s family.
Although prosecutors had recommended the maximum possible sentence given the circumstances, Judge Kent Savoie acknowledged that Roberts had no prior criminal history to consider. This influenced the judge’s decision-making process, although he stressed the importance of the emotional and psychological distress caused to the victim.
Roberts’ legal team attempted to secure a new trial less than two weeks prior to her sentencing, citing perceived inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Savoie rejected the motion for a retrial.
The case traces back to a pool party hosted by Roberts at her home in July 2024, where she was reportedly engaging in inappropriate conduct with the teenage boy. During the trial, the victim testified that he felt uncomfortable with Roberts’ advances, which included flirtation and a kiss, a situation that escalated to further sexual contact. He explained to jurors that he had been consuming alcohol that evening and had later vomited.
Additional testimony revealed that a close associate of Roberts had directed witnesses to downplay or alter their accounts of the events. A DoorDash delivery driver also testified about bringing emergency contraception to Roberts’ home shortly after the incident.
Roberts resigned from her position as mayor just days before her eventual arrest in 2024. Her conviction has drawn public scrutiny and has raised questions regarding her judgement and the responsibilities held by public officials.
In a related context, this case comes shortly after the sentencing of Roberts’ brother, Brandon Lee Roberts, who faced prison time in an unrelated child sex abuse matter. These incidents have sparked conversations about safeguarding children and the appropriate conduct expected from those in positions of authority.