A Louisiana judge on Tuesday handed down a 90-day jail sentence to Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, who was convicted of sexual offenses involving a 16-year-old boy. The sentence, issued by Judge D. Kent Savoie, was notably less than the 17 years behind bars requested by prosecutors, who argued Roberts had shown no genuine remorse or accountability.
"Danger doesn’t always look like danger. This predator has hair extensions, high heels, Botox and other augmentations." — Victim's Mother, Unnamed
Roberts, 43, was found guilty in March on two counts: carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The conviction stemmed from a July 2024 birthday party for her son at her home, where evidence presented during the trial placed her in a sexual encounter with a teenage guest. Prosecutors had pushed for the maximum penalty, citing the severity of the charges and Roberts's past role as a public official.
Prosecutor Charles Robinson expressed his assessment of Roberts in court, stating, "This is not a dumb lady. This is somebody who managed an entire city budget." He further asserted that Roberts "has not come to the realization of accountability," as reported by the New York Post. Despite the prosecution's strong stance, Judge Savoie opted for a different punishment. In addition to the 90 days in jail, Roberts was given two five-year suspended sentences. The court also mandated her registration as a sex offender, completion of therapy, and submission to regular drug and alcohol testing.
During the sentencing hearing, the mother of the teenage victim delivered a powerful statement to the court, warning against being misled by outward appearances. KPLC-TV reported her saying, "Danger doesn’t always look like danger. This predator has hair extensions, high heels, Botox and other augmentations," her words underscoring the perceived betrayal of trust. This testimony resonated in a courtroom where jurors had previously reviewed text messages that revealed Roberts and her son coordinating the party, including discussions about alcoholic drinks desired by the teenage attendees.
Further evidence presented during the trial included additional text messages from the night of the party, showing Roberts's son describing the situation as "crazy" and relaying that his younger sister was emotionally distressed. The younger sister later testified, telling the court she had observed her mother and the teenage victim "on top of each other" during the celebration. Roberts's ex-husband, Duncan Clanton, also provided testimony against her, stating that Roberts had personally confessed the sexual encounter to him and that their children had witnessed the two together.
Facing the judge, Roberts admitted to having asked other individuals to lie on her behalf, driven by fear that Clanton would seek to remove her access to their children if the truth emerged. She described herself as "an embarrassment" to DeRidder, the city she once led. Roberts then made a direct appeal for leniency, framing her request in both personal and religious terms. "I’m here just asking for grace and mercy and the opportunity to do what the Lord has asked me to do, which is be a mom," she stated. She also offered an apology to the victim's family, acknowledging the profound impact of the events. "I will blame myself for the rest of my life," Roberts said, extending her regret for the suffering and public embarrassment the case had inflicted upon their lives. The sentencing concludes a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention to the responsibilities of public figures and the justice system's response to crimes against minors.
