Former DeRidder Mayor Sentenced for Statutory Rape

Former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts, 44, was sentenced on June 9, 2026 to 90 days in jail after a March 3 conviction for carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The offenses stem from a July 2024 house-party incident in which Roberts engaged in sexual activity with a 16-year-old boy. In addition to incarceration, she must register as a sex offender, pay a $5,000 fine, undergo regular drug testing, and receive psychotropic and psychological therapy after release. Two five-year suspended sentences run concurrently, remaining inactive unless parole is violated. Louisiana law permits up to 17 years for the felonies, making the custodial term substantially reduced.

The Guardian

Roberts allegedly raped a 16-year-old boy at a pool-side party at her DeRidder home in July 2024. A jury convicted her on March 3, 2026 of two felony counts. On June 9-10, 2026 the court imposed the sentence, after Judge Kent Savoie denied a defense motion for a new trial.

WAFB - Baton Rouge

At sentencing, Roberts accepted full responsibility, apologizing to the victim’s family and acknowledging she let many people down. The victim’s mother described Roberts as a “predator” with cosmetic modifications and criticized the defense team’s conduct. Judge Kent Savoie rejected the request for a new trial, upholding the conviction and sentence. Prosecutors highlighted the need for accountability when public officials exploit their positions.

The Guardian

The victim’s mother called Roberts a “predator” and accused the defense attorneys of lying and disrespecting the court, saying the trial forced children to relive the assault. Holly Jones, speaking for her husband and son, noted that a 14-year-old was thrust into an adult criminal case, emphasizing the broader harm to the victim’s family.

WAFB - Baton Rouge

• “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,” — Misty Roberts, sentencing statement

The Guardian

• “This predator was not hiding in a van carrying candy or a puppy. This danger came from a predator with hair extensions, high heels, Botox, and other modifications.” — Victim’s mother, impact statement

The Guardian

• “At only 14 years old, our son was planted in the middle of an adult criminal case,” — Holly Jones, speaking for her husband and son

WAFB - Baton Rouge

• “The attorneys you hired claimed we put your kids on the stand. Oh no, Miss, that’s you. My heart broke for all the kids that we forced to relive that night. Your team flat-out lied and was very disrespectful throughout this trial.” — Victim’s mother, addressing defense counsel

WAFB - Baton Rouge

The case highlights public scrutiny of elected officials’ sexual misconduct and raises questions about sentencing discretion for statutory rape, prompting debate over whether reduced custodial terms adequately reflect the abuse of power.

The Guardian