Former DeRidder, Louisiana, Mayor Misty Roberts was found guilty on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, of felony charges related to a July 2024 pool party where she had sex with her son’s 16-year-old friend.
Verdict and Charges
Guilty Counts: A six-person jury in Beauregard Parish convicted Roberts on two counts:
Carnal knowledge of a juvenile (felony)
Indecent behavior with a juvenile (felony)
Deliberation Time: The jury reached its verdict in less than one hour after a six-day trial.
Sentencing: Scheduled for April 17, 2026. She faces a maximum of 10 years for carnal knowledge and up to seven years for indecent behavior.
Sex Offender Status: Roberts will be required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender.
Key Trial Evidence
Witness Testimony: The victim testified he was intoxicated at the party when the incident occurred in an upstairs game room.
Family Testimony: Roberts’ own children and nephew testified they saw her and the teen together; her son previously told investigators he saw the act through a window.
Physical Evidence: Prosecutors presented a photo of Roberts in a bikini with the victim and text messages where she allegedly asked others to lie for her.
DoorDash Delivery: A delivery driver testified to bringing “Plan B” emergency contraception to Roberts’ home shortly after the party.
Background
Roberts resigned as mayor of the Louisiana town just days before her arrest in August 2024. This was her second trial; a previous attempt ended in a mistrial in February 2026 due to the recusal of local judges. Following the verdict, Roberts was allowed to remain released on bond pending her sentencing.