Mayor’s Party Turns Into Legal Nightmare

The first woman to lead DeRidder, Misty Roberts, faced a shocking fall from grace after a house gathering for her son’s birthday spiraled into serious criminal allegations. While serving as mayor, she invited teenagers to her home and offered them alcohol, a decision that later became the centerpiece of her trial. A 16‑year‑old attendee claimed they were seduced and had sex with Roberts in an upstairs game room, a claim that the jury found credible. In July 2024, Roberts sent texts to her nephew warning him not to speak about the incident and expressing fear. The nephew later revealed that his mother had told him to lie, adding another layer of alleged cover‑up. Communications between Roberts and the victim’s mother were also examined, revealing discussions about emergency contraception. These messages helped build a picture of intent and knowledge.

A grand jury indicted Roberts in October 2024 on felony charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and misdemeanor contributing to delinquency. By June 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court removed two district judges due to perceived bias, appointing Judge Kent Savoie as a temporary judge. In February 2026, Roberts pleaded not guilty to new charges of carnal knowledge and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The trial began the same month, and by March 3, a jury found her guilty on both felony counts after less than an hour of deliberation. Following the verdict, Roberts registered as a sex offender. Her lawyers urged the public to remember that people behind headlines have families and lives. Judge Savoie is set to impose a sentence, with the maximum penalties ranging from seven to ten years in prison depending on the charges.

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