Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts Convicted of Felony Sex Crimes Involving 16-Year-Old; Maintains Innocence, Offers No Apology

  

A jury in Beauregard Parish has convicted former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts on two felony charges stemming from an alcohol-fueled incident at her home in July 2024, during which she was accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old boy who was a friend of her son.

The verdict, delivered on March 3, 2026, after less than an hour of deliberations following a week-long trial, found the 43-year-old guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Both are felony offenses under Louisiana law, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 10 years and 7 years respectively, for a combined maximum of 17 years. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2026.

The case centered on a pool party hosted by Roberts at her residence while she was still serving as mayor during her second term. Prosecutors alleged that heavy alcohol consumption—provided at the event—played a significant role, with testimony indicating both Roberts and the teenage boy were intoxicated. The boy, now older, took the stand during the trial, describing the events of the night and stating he had been drinking heavily in an attempt to "catch up" with Roberts, whom he described as "really, really drunk."

Witnesses, including Roberts' own children and nephew, reportedly observed or became aware of the incident. Additional testimony revealed that Roberts' son allegedly walked in on the pair, leading to a confrontation. Court records and reports indicate Roberts sent frantic text messages to family members afterward, with one account suggesting she admitted fault in private communications but shifted blame publicly.

A DoorDash driver testified to delivering emergency contraception (Plan B) to Roberts following the alleged encounter. Roberts resigned as mayor shortly before her arrest in 2024.

Throughout the trial, Roberts pleaded not guilty. Following the conviction, her attorney, Todd Clemons, spoke to media outlets, expressing that his client was "very, very disappointed" in the jury's decision. He stated unequivocally that Roberts continues to maintain her innocence and has no intention of offering an apology.

"At this particular point, there's no apology that I'm gonna give on her behalf," Clemons said. He added that while Roberts respects the judicial process, she plans to appeal the verdict.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to Roberts' position as a public official at the time of the alleged offenses and the involvement of minors, including family members, in the events surrounding the incident. Local residents and observers have expressed shock over the breach of trust by an elected leader in the small community of DeRidder, population under 10,000.

Prosecutors emphasized the power imbalance and the illegality of sexual contact with a minor, regardless of claimed consent or intoxication levels. Louisiana's age of consent is 17, making any sexual activity with a 16-year-old a criminal offense in such circumstances.

Roberts remains free pending sentencing, though she faces significant prison time if the convictions are upheld. The case underscores ongoing concerns about accountability for public figures and the protection of juveniles in social settings involving alcohol.