Former DeRidder, Louisiana, mayor Misty Roberts has completed her 90-day jail sentence and been released from custody after serving time following her conviction in a case involving a teenage boy. Roberts finished the sentence on Monday, September 7, according to state corrections records.
Roberts Convicted After Jury Trial
Roberts, 44, was convicted in March of two felony offenses: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The charges stemmed from an incident at a pool party at Roberts’ home in July 2024, when she was serving as DeRidder’s mayor.
The victim was a 16-year-old local high school student who was a friend of Roberts’ son. Prosecutors said alcohol was consumed during the gathering.
Roberts had faced the possibility of up to 17 years in prison following the conviction. She had served as DeRidder mayor since 2018 before resigning shortly ahead of her arrest in August 2024.
Judge Rejects Request for Longer Sentence
Roberts was sentenced in June to 90 days in jail, along with additional penalties and conditions. She was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, register as a sex offender and undergo drug testing and psychological treatment.
Prosecutors later sought to have the sentence increased. However, Judge Kent Savoie rejected that request at an August 31 hearing.
Savoie acknowledged that he had made an error when relying on a list of more than 30 cases resolved through plea agreements while determining an appropriate sentence for Roberts. He said he had asked for cases he believed were comparable but later recognized that the comparison was flawed.
Despite acknowledging the mistake, the judge said Roberts should not receive additional punishment simply because she exercised her right to have her case decided at trial rather than accepting a plea agreement.
Release Follows Controversial Sentencing
The 90-day sentence generated strong criticism from prosecutors and members of the DeRidder community, particularly because Roberts had faced a substantially longer potential prison term.
In addition to her jail sentence and fine, Roberts faces continuing legal restrictions after her release, including sex-offender registration, drug screening and required therapy. Her sentence also included suspended prison terms that could become relevant if she violates the conditions imposed by the court.
Roberts apologized to the victim’s family during her sentencing hearing and accepted responsibility for her actions. Her release marks the end of the jail portion of the sentence, while the other court-ordered requirements remain in effect.
