Former DeRidder Mayor's Sentencing Delayed to June

Misty Roberts granted extension to review trial transcripts and prepare expert testimony

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:08pm

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Former DeRidder mayor and registered sex offender Misty Roberts was granted a new sentencing date of June 9, following a hearing where her legal team claimed they needed more time to review transcripts from her trial and gather expert medical opinions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of sentencing for public officials convicted of sex crimes, as Roberts' legal team seeks to delay the process and introduce new evidence, while prosecutors argue the extensions are unnecessary.

The details

Ad Hoc Judge D. Kent Savoie granted Roberts the extension and set a new deadline for filing all post-trial motions for May 15. Roberts' legal team lead, Adam Johnson, filed the motion for continuance just ahead of the original April 3 deadline, claiming the original sentencing date had been set too quickly and did not give them time to properly prepare. Johnson said the team needed time to review three days' worth of witness testimony and have an expert psychiatrist evaluate Roberts.

  • The original sentencing date was set for April 17.
  • The new sentencing date is June 9.
  • The deadline for filing post-trial motions is May 15.
  • A hearing to discuss any motions is set for May 29.

The players

Misty Roberts

Former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana and a registered sex offender who was found guilty of indecent behavior with a juvenile and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Adam Johnson

The lead attorney on Misty Roberts' legal team, who filed the motion for a continuance of her sentencing.

D. Kent Savoie

The ad hoc judge presiding over the case who granted the extension for Roberts' sentencing.

Charles Robinson

The state prosecutor who argued against the request for a continuance, saying Roberts had already been granted ample time to prepare.

James Lestage

The district attorney who said his office respectfully disagreed with the judge's decision to move Roberts' sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“After (the verdict was read) the court moved immediately into setting a sentencing date, and deadlines were set pretty quickly. In fact, I believe the court notified everyone of post-trial deadlines through text message.”

— Adam Johnson, Lead Attorney for Misty Roberts

“Let me tell you how it works in the real world. In the real world of law.”

— Adam Johnson, Lead Attorney for Misty Roberts

“That is not grounds for a continuance, in my opinion. (Johnson) has put in no effort, zero effort at all. The motion does not hold merit.”

— Charles Robinson, State Prosecutor

“We do not agree that it is necessary, but we respect the court and the judge's decision.”

— James Lestage, District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will hold a hearing on May 29 to discuss any post-trial motions filed by Roberts' legal team.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of sentencing public officials convicted of sex crimes, as defense attorneys seek to delay the process and introduce new evidence, while prosecutors argue the extensions are unnecessary. The judge's decision to grant the continuance suggests a careful consideration of the complexities involved.