Ex-mayor found guilty of having sex with teen at house party while serving as elected official

DERIDDER, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - A jury has found a former DeRidder mayor guilty of having sex with a minor at a 2024 house party while she was an executive official.

Misty Roberts, 43, was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old boy at her home.

A DeRidder jury deliberated for less than an hour before reaching its verdict.

Roberts was found guilty on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, both felonies.

The boy took the stand earlier Tuesday, telling the jury that he was drunk when he and Roberts had sex.

The ex-mayor’s children and nephew also testified in the trial. They said they saw her and the teen together, but did not see whether they had sexual intercourse.

A DoorDash driver testified that he delivered emergency contraception to Roberts’ home after the reported encounter.

Additionally, the prosecution showed a photo from the party, in which Roberts is seen in a bikini with the teen smiling up at her.

Roberts’ sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 17.

Carnal knowledge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, while indecent behavior carries a sentence of up to seven years.

Roberts will be required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender.