Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for raping a 16-year-old boy. The 44-year-old appeared in court on Tuesday, where she apologized to her victim and his family.
Conviction and Sentencing
Roberts was convicted earlier this year on two felony counts: carnal knowledge of a juvenile, also known as statutory rape, and indecent behavior with a juvenile. She faced a maximum of 17 years in prison but received a 90-day jail sentence. Additionally, she must register as a sex offender, pay $5,000 in fines, and undergo regular drug screenings as well as psychotropic and psychological therapy after her release, according to KPLC. The court also imposed two five-year suspended sentences, to run concurrently unless she violates parole.
The Assault
In July 2024, Roberts sexually assaulted the victim at her home during a pool party where alcohol was consumed. At the time, she was serving as mayor of DeRidder, a position she had held since 2018.
Courtroom Statements
Addressing the court, Roberts stated, “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 also apologized directly to the victim’s family, saying, “To the [victim’s] family, I am sorry. I can’t give back the high school days… I can’t take away the embarrassment that so many mean people on the internet have put them through.”
The victim’s mother delivered an impact statement, calling Roberts a predator. “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,” she said. She described finding her son sitting alone in his room and hearing him cry at night. “Every social event carried questions no teenager should have to ask … Half of his high school experience was taken from him,” she added. She concluded by telling Roberts, “Stay the hell away from my family.”
