Former Louisiana Mayor Sentenced to 90 Days for Sex Crime, June 11

Misty Roberts, 44, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, received a 90-day jail sentence on June 9 after conviction on two felonies: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. She faced up to 17 years in prison. The light sentence has triggered widespread anger on social media and among the victim’s family, who argue the punishment does not fit the crime.

What Roberts Was Convicted Of

Roberts was convicted in March 2026 of having sex with a 16-year-old boy, a friend of her son’s, during a birthday pool party she threw in July 2024 while serving as mayor. She provided alcohol at the party. Louisiana’s age of consent is 17. The victim’s mother testified that the incident destroyed her son’s high school experience and called Roberts a predator. Prosecutors urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 17 years.

Judge’s Rationale for Light Sentence

Judge D. Kent Savoie sentenced Roberts to 90 days in jail, two concurrent five-year suspended sentences, a $5,000 fine, and mandatory therapy and drug testing. When asked why by reporters, Savoie said he researched how similar cases were handled in the parish and could not help that people were unhappy with the outcome. The judge stated he was not swayed by Roberts’ apology but was moved by the impact on the victim’s family.

Public Outcry and Victim’s Family Response

The sentence sparked immediate outrage on social media, with many calling it a slap on the wrist. The victim’s mother delivered a powerful statement at sentencing, describing Roberts as a predator with hair extensions, high heels, and Botox. She said her son lost half his high school experience to the trauma and that Roberts initially tried to shift blame onto the teenager. Roberts said she will serve the 90 days rather than post a $150,000 bond.

Roberts’ Statement and Conditions

During sentencing, Roberts told the court she considered July 20, 2024, the date of the incident, as hitting the absolute floor. She said she blamed herself and had let many people down. Roberts must register as a sex offender, undergo psychological therapy, and pass regular drug and alcohol tests. She apologized to the victim’s family but prosecutors criticized her lack of remorse and accountability.

Final Thoughts

Roberts received 90 days in jail instead of the 17-year maximum, citing comparable cases in the parish. The lenient sentence has drawn fierce criticism from the victim’s family and the public, highlighting tensions between judicial discretion and public expectations in sex crime cases.

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