Former Louisiana Mayor Convicted of Sex with Minor at Alcohol-Fueled Party

Misty Roberts found guilty after her teenage son caught her with his friend at a pool bash hosted at her home.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts, 43, has been convicted of having sex with a minor after her teenage son caught her with his friend at an alcohol-infused pool party hosted at her home in 2024. Roberts was found guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, and will be required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender. The verdict came after days of testimony from Roberts' family members, teenagers at the parties, and the victim himself.

Why it matters

This case highlights the abuse of power and trust when an elected official engages in inappropriate sexual activity with a minor, especially at a party hosted at the mayor's own home. It raises concerns about the supervision of minors and the role of alcohol in enabling such incidents, as well as the potential impact on the victim, the mayor's family, and the community's faith in local government.

The details

Prosecutors presented evidence that Roberts, who was serving as mayor of DeRidder at the time, had sex with a 16-year-old boy at an alcohol-fueled pool party at her home in 2024. The victim testified that he was drunk when the incident occurred. Prosecutors also showed photos of Roberts posing with the victim, as well as text messages between Roberts and her son discussing the alcohol for the party and her son warning her about the victim's age. Roberts' daughter testified that she witnessed her mother and the victim "on top of each other" the night of the party. The investigation also uncovered that Roberts purchased emergency contraception after the incident.

  • The incident occurred at a pool party hosted by Roberts at her home in 2024.
  • Roberts was convicted on March 4, 2026.
  • Roberts' sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2026.

The players

Misty Roberts

The 43-year-old former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, who was convicted of having sex with a minor at an alcohol-fueled pool party hosted at her home.

The Victim

A 16-year-old boy who was involved in a sexual encounter with Misty Roberts at the pool party.

Misty Roberts' Son

The mayor's teenage son who caught his mother and the victim in a compromising position at the party and warned her about the victim's age.

Misty Roberts' Daughter

The mayor's daughter who testified that she witnessed her mother and the victim "on top of each other" the night of the party.

Duncan Clanton

Misty Roberts' ex-husband, who testified that Roberts admitted to having sex with the teenage boy and that their children had caught them in the act.

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What they’re saying

“I told ya'll at the beginning of the trial that 'A lewd and lascivious photo is worth a thousand words.' Here, you have it.”

— Charles Robinson, Assistant District Attorney (KPLC)

“He is seventeen.”

— Misty Roberts' Son (KPLC)

“I can't keep hurting others, friends and family. Lord knows I've done enough.”

— Misty Roberts (KPLC)

What’s next

Misty Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2026. She faces up to 10 years in prison for the carnal knowledge conviction and up to 7 years for the indecent behavior conviction. She will also be required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise when an elected official abuses their position of power and trust, especially when it involves inappropriate sexual activity with a minor. It underscores the need for strong oversight and accountability measures in local government to prevent such incidents and protect vulnerable members of the community.