Former Louisiana mayor released after 90-day sentence for sex crimes

Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was released from custody after completing a 90-day prison term. She had been convicted of two felony charges: sexual conduct with a minor and improper conduct with a minor, stemming from an incident involving a 16-year-old boy at her residence in 2024.

Roberts, aged 44, was found guilty in March of the two criminal counts. The offenses occurred during a pool party held at her home in July 2024, while she was still serving as mayor of DeRidder.

What Took Place at the Pool Party?

The incident unfolded in July 2024 at Roberts’s home, where she hosted a gathering. At the time, she held the office of mayor of DeRidder. The 16-year-old victim was a friend of her son.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from members of Roberts’s own family, including her son, who stated he witnessed his mother and the teenager inside a bedroom in the house. Prosecutors presented additional evidence and witness accounts corroborating that account.

The trial also examined events that followed the party. Evidence included the delivery of emergency contraception to Roberts’s residence the next day, as well as text messages exchanged between Roberts and the victim’s mother.

Why Did the Sentence Spark Widespread Outrage?

Roberts faced a potential prison sentence of up to 17 years. Instead, in June, Judge Savoy sentenced her to 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and two five-year suspended sentences.

She was also ordered to undergo psychological treatment, submit to periodic drug testing, abstain from alcohol, refrain from contacting the victim or his family, and register as a sex offender.

The sentence drew broad criticism in DeRidder, with many residents arguing it was disproportionate to the gravity of the crimes—particularly given that Roberts committed the acts while holding elected office.

Judge Rejects Prosecution’s Bid to Increase Sentence

The controversy did not end with sentencing. The Beauregard Parish District Attorney’s Office filed a motion seeking reconsideration and enhancement of the penalty.

A hearing on the motion was held on August 31, but Judge Savoy denied the request. As a result, the original sentence remained in effect, and Roberts completed her 90-day term before being released.

Earlier, Savoy acknowledged that his method of comparing the case to others had drawn criticism—specifically because the referenced cases had nearly all concluded via plea agreements, not jury verdicts following full trials.

Roberts Regains Physical Freedom but Remains Under Supervision

Her release marks the conclusion of Roberts’s active incarceration. However, she remains subject to multiple post-release conditions: probation, mandatory psychological treatment, ongoing drug testing, a ban on contact with the victim or his family, and continued registration as a sex offender.

Roberts resigned from the mayoral office of DeRidder prior to her arrest in August 2024. She had held the position since 2018.

The case has become one of the most contentious in the city—not only due to the conviction of an elected official for sexual crimes against a minor, but also because she served just 90 days in prison despite facing a maximum possible sentence of 17 years.