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DeRidder Today
By the People, for the People
Former DeRidder Mayor Convicted of Sex Crimes, Allowed to Remain Free on Bond
Misty Roberts' legal team asks for "grace" from the community as she awaits sentencing
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was convicted of felony charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Despite the guilty verdict, Roberts was allowed to remain free on bond while awaiting her sentencing hearing on April 17. Her legal team has asked the public to show "grace" towards Roberts and her family.
Why it matters
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning why Roberts was allowed to remain free on bond after being convicted, when others accused of similar crimes were immediately remanded to custody. The situation has raised concerns about potential bias in the criminal justice system.
The details
Roberts was initially arrested on a third-degree rape charge, with a bond set at $75,000. She was released just an hour and a half after her arrest. In contrast, a 20-year-old man arrested on similar charges around the same time was not allowed to bond out for two to three weeks, and his bond was set at $200,000 when it was finally set. Throughout the trial, evidence showed that Roberts had asked friends and family to deny or lie about the events that occurred. Despite the lack of remorse and the overwhelming evidence, Roberts has continued to maintain her innocence.
- On Thursday, Roberts fulfilled her obligation to register as a Tier 1 sex offender with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office.
- Roberts was convicted on Tuesday of the felony charges.
- Roberts' sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17.
The players
Misty Roberts
The former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, who was convicted of felony charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
Adam Johnson
One of the attorneys on Roberts' legal defense team.
Todd S. Clemons
One of the attorneys on Roberts' legal defense team.
Charles Robinson
The state prosecutor in the case.
Hunter Robin
A bail bondsman in the Beauregard Parish area with over 9 years of experience.
What they’re saying
“We are disappointed by the verdict, but of course, respect the jury's decision. Our focus now is on doing everything we can to keep Misty free after sentencing so she can continue raising her son and daughter, as she has for the last two years while awaiting trial.”
— Adam Johnson and Todd S. Clemons, Attorneys for Misty Roberts
“As attention around this case continues, we ask the public to remember that, behind every headline, there is a real person and family living through it. Regardless of how anyone views the outcome, grace and humanity are always appropriate.”
— Adam Johnson and Todd S. Clemons, Attorneys for Misty Roberts
“It's outrageous. Anyone else convicted of those charges would have been remanded to custody immediately. Being allowed to remain released after conviction is shocking to me, and I can't help but feel like it would not have even been considered if the gender roles were reversed.”
— Hunter Robin, Bail bondsman (American Press)
“At the sentencing hearing, the judge will consider the sentencing factors, which include her supervisory position over the children, and other aggravating circumstances, such as her lack of remorse and accountability.”
— Charles Robinson, State prosecutor
“We appreciate the jury's time and attention, as they followed the evidence and quickly found the defendant guilty of both charges. It is unfortunate and disappointing that she still claims her innocence despite the testimony and cross-examination of many sensitive juvenile eyewitnesses and other undeniable evidence, which established proof beyond any reasonable doubt of the defendant's deplorable, lewd, and corrupt acts. Her claims of innocence are not surprising given the evidence, 'we lie 'til we die' (texts), and her plan to claim accusers were 'playing politics' despite the truth.”
— Charles Robinson, State prosecutor
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on April 17 whether to sentence Misty Roberts to prison or allow her to remain free on probation.
The takeaway
This case has highlighted concerns about potential bias in the criminal justice system, with many questioning why Roberts was allowed to remain free on bond after being convicted of serious sex crimes when others accused of similar offenses were immediately remanded to custody. The situation has sparked outrage in the community and raised questions about the fair and equal application of the law.
