Former Louisiana Mayor Convicted of Sex With Minor

Misty Roberts found guilty on charges of carnal knowledge and indecent behavior with a juvenile

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been found guilty by a jury of having sex with her son's 16-year-old friend during an alcohol-fueled pool party in 2024 while she was still in office. The victim, Roberts' son, and her daughter all testified to witnessing the sexual encounter.

Why it matters

The conviction of a sitting mayor for sexual misconduct with a minor raises serious concerns about abuse of power and the breakdown of public trust in local government. It also highlights the need for stronger safeguards and accountability measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to news reports, the jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding the 43-year-old Roberts guilty on two felony charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The victim, who was 16 at the time, testified that he had sex with Roberts while he was intoxicated at the pool party. Roberts' son also testified that he saw his mother hooking up with his friend, and Roberts' daughter said she witnessed the two "on top of each other." After the incident, the victim's mother texted Roberts about the possibility of her getting pregnant, but Roberts assured the mother that she was on birth control.

  • The incident occurred in 2024 while Roberts was still serving as mayor of DeRidder.
  • Roberts resigned from office only days before she was arrested in 2024.
  • Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17.

The players

Misty Roberts

The former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, who was found guilty of having sex with her son's 16-year-old friend while she was still in office.

The Victim

A 16-year-old boy who was the son's friend of Misty Roberts and with whom she had sex during an alcohol-filled pool party.

Roberts' Son

Testified that he saw his mother hooking up with his 16-year-old friend.

Roberts' Daughter

Testified that she witnessed her mother and the 16-year-old victim "on top of each other."

The Victim's Mother

Texted Roberts after the incident about the possibility of her getting pregnant, but Roberts assured her she was on birth control.

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What they’re saying

“Even worse, Roberts' daughter gave testimony, saying she witnessed her mom and the victim 'on top of each other.'”

— Roberts' Daughter (TMZ)

“And if that's not enough ... after the sexual encounter, the victim's mom texted Roberts about her getting pregnant, but Roberts assured the mom she was on birth control.”

— The Victim's Mother (TMZ)

What’s next

Roberts faces up to 17 years in prison when she is sentenced on April 17.

The takeaway

The conviction of a sitting mayor for sexual misconduct with a minor underscores the need for stronger accountability measures and safeguards in local government to prevent abuse of power and restore public trust.