By Erika Hernandez
The former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, Misty Roberts, was sentenced to 90 days in prison on Tuesday after being found guilty of having sexual relations with a 16-year-old teenager during a party held at her residence in July 2024.
Roberts, 43, had been found guilty in March of the crimes of carnal knowledge of a minor and indecent conduct with a minor. The events occurred during his son’s birthday celebration, which was attended by several teenagers.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim’s mother called Roberts a “predator” and said she abused the trust placed in her as a responsible adult, according to the Fresh York Publish.
“Danger does not always have the appearance of danger,” the woman declared in court. “This predator has hair extensions, high heels, Botox and other cosmetic modifications.”
The prosecution requested 17 years in prison
Prosecutors had requested a sentence of up to 17 years in prison, arguing that Roberts had not taken full responsibility for his actions. Prosecutor Charles Robinson maintained that the former official was fully aware of the seriousness of her conduct and questioned whether she tried to minimize what happened.
However, Judge D. Kent Savoie imposed a sentence of 90 days in prison, in addition to two five-year suspended sentences. Also ordered Roberts to register as a sex offender, receive psychological treatment and undergo regular alcohol and drug testing.
During the trial, prosecutors presented text messages exchanged between Roberts and his son before the party, in which they discussed what type of alcoholic beverages the teens wanted for the celebration.
Likewise, conversations from the night of the events were shown in which Roberts’ son described the situation as “crazy” and commented that his younger sister was emotionally affected.
The former mayor’s daughter also testified in court and claimed to have seen her mother and the teenager “on top of each other” during the party. For his part, Roberts’ ex-husband, Duncan Clanton, testified that she confessed to having had sexual relations with the minor and that her own children had discovered them.
Before knowing the sentence, Roberts apologized to the victim’s family and said he would bear the blame “for the rest of his life.” He also admitted to asking other people to lie about what happened for fear of losing contact with his children.
“I am a shame to the city,” the former mayor said in court. “I only ask for grace, mercy and the opportunity to continue being a mother.”
The case sent shockwaves through DeRidder, where Roberts had served as mayor before the allegations came to light that ended her political career.
Keep reading:
–Teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with a minor arrested in Louisiana
–From Teacher of the Year to criminal defendant: Louisiana teacher arrested for child abuse
–5-year-old boy dies of malnutrition in Louisiana: he weighed 19 pounds due to alleged neglect of his parents
