Disgraced Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts found guilty of sleeping with her son’s friend
Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been convicted by a jury for unlawful sexual conduct involving her son’s 16-year-old friend.
The 43-year-old politician was found guilty of charges including carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behaviour involving a minor.
The verdict was reached after jurors deliberated briefly following testimony presented during the trial.
Court evidence showed that the incident allegedly occurred at a 2024 pool party where alcohol was consumed.
The teenage victim testified that he was intoxicated at the time of the encounter. Several witnesses also told the court that they observed or later heard accounts suggesting inappropriate conduct involving Roberts and the teenager.
Family members and acquaintances were called to testify. Reports indicated that Roberts’ son claimed he saw his mother and his friend together through a window.
The accused’s daughter also testified she saw Roberts and the 16-year-old “on top of each other.
Messages presented in court suggested that the victim’s mother later contacted Roberts over concerns about a possible pregnancy, to which Roberts allegedly responded that she was using contraception.
Following the verdict, Roberts will be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, with potential penalties including up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the more serious charge and additional jail time for the second count.
Roberts resigned as mayor in 2024 shortly before her arrest, marking the end of her political career amid the scandal. The case has drawn widespread public attention in the local community.
