Key facts
- Former Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
- Roberts was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
- The victim was 16 years old at the time of the assault in July 2024.
Misty Roberts, a former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was sentenced to 90 days in jail for the rape of a 16-year-old boy. She was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The sentencing of a public official for a crime against a minor highlights the severe consequences of statutory rape and the impact on victims and their families, even when the perpetrator holds a position of trust.
Misty Roberts, a 44-year-old former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 90 days in jail following her conviction on two felony charges: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The assault occurred in July 2024 at her home when the victim, who was 16 years old, and Roberts were drinking alcohol at a pool party.
Roberts, who had held the mayoral position since 2018, faced a potential prison sentence of up to 17 years. In addition to the jail time, she must register as a sex offender, pay $5,000 in fines, and undergo regular drug screenings and psychological therapy post-release. She also received two concurrent five-year suspended sentences.
During her sentencing, Roberts expressed remorse, stating, "I blame myself then, I blame myself today, and I will blame myself for the rest of my life." She also apologized to the victim's family for the embarrassment caused by public scrutiny.
The victim's mother delivered an impact statement, describing Roberts as a "predator" and detailing the profound emotional toll the assault had on her son, stating, "Half of his high school experience was taken from him."
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