Former Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts has been sentenced to 90 days in jail after being convicted on serious felony charges involving a minor. The case has drawn public attention due to her previous role as an elected official and the nature of the offenses.
Roberts, 44, was sentenced on Tuesday following her conviction earlier this year. A court found her guilty on two felony charges. These include carnal knowledge of a juvenile, which is also referred to under state law as statutory rape, and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The case involved a 16-year-old boy. Prosecutors argued that Roberts engaged in unlawful conduct that violated state laws designed to protect minors.
Roberts, who was facing up to 17 years in prison, sexually assaulted the underage victim at her home in July 2024. They were drinking alcohol at a pool party. Roberts was mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, at the time, a position she had held since 2018.
As part of her sentencing, Roberts must register as a sex offender and pay $5,000 in fines, and will have to undergo regular drug screenings, in addition to psychotropic and psychological therapy following her release, KPLC reported. The outlet added that Roberts also received two five-year suspended sentences, to be served concurrently unless she violates parole.
Addressing the court on Tuesday, Roberts said: “I blame myself then, I blame myself today, and I will blame myself for the rest of my life … I let a lot of people down, and I am the only person responsible for that,” KPLC reports.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that began after allegations were first reported to authorities.
She also addressed the victim’s family during her sentencing, saying: “To the [victim’s] family, I am sorry. I can’t give back the high school days… I can’t take away the embarrassment that so many mean people on the internet have put them through.”
In an impact statement delivered in court, the victim’s mother said: “This predator was not hiding in a van carrying candy or a puppy. This danger came from a predator with hair extensions, high heels, Botox, and other modifications.”
She added that she would find her son sitting in his room alone and would hear him cry at night.
“Every social event carried questions no teenager should have to ask … Half of his high school experience was taken from him,” the victim’s mother said.
She added to Roberts: “Stay the hell away from my family.”
The case stands as a reminder of the legal consequences tied to violations involving minors and the responsibility held by those in public office.
Flip the pages for the photos of Misty.
