DERIDDER, La. (KPLC) - A DeRidder jury has found Misty Roberts guilty of having sex with a minor at a 2024 house party while she was mayor.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before reaching a verdict.
Roberts, 43, had sex with a 16-year-old boy at a party at her home. She was found guilty as charged today of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, both felonies.
Roberts walked out the front door of the courthouse today a guilty woman, but a free woman at least until her April 17 sentencing date.
The reason Roberts could walk out is that she had a stipulation in her surety bond that, if convicted, the bond would still apply. Judge Savoie gave her a $100,000 bond today.
The victim took the stand earlier today, telling the jury that he was drunk when he and Roberts had sex. Roberts’ son and nephew testified that they saw her and the teen together, but did not see whether they had sexual intercourse.
We also heard closing arguments from both the defense and prosecution. Assistant District Attorney Charles Robinson started his by saying, “I told y’all at the beginning of the trial that ‘A lewd and lascivious photo is worth a thousand words.’ Here, you have it.”
Robinson went on to show the jury rapid-fire exhibits of evidence that he said showed both lewd and lascivious actions and evidence that Misty Roberts had sex with a teenager.
Robinson showed the photo that’s at the center of the trial, which shows the victim and Roberts together, obscured by furniture. He also showed photos from the night of Roberts and the victim posing together.
The defense worked to convince the jury that parts of the case were not adequately investigated by police. Defense Attorney Adam Johnson said that the state failed to investigate surveillance video from Roberts’ home, potential DNA evidence, and witness testimony.
Johnson went on to say the investigation was an attempt to “railroad” Roberts due to a biased lead investigator, Melissa Welch. Welch testified previously to telling the victim’s mother that witnesses need to “get on board or get run over by the train.”
Previously, a DoorDash driver testified that he delivered emergency contraception to Roberts’ home after the incident. The prosecution also showed a photo from the party, in which Roberts is seen in a bikini with the teen smiling up at her.
Roberts’ sentencing is set 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. She will be required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender.
We asked the D.A.’s office for comment regarding this case, and they said Judge Savoie had asked them not to comment. Robinson said the D.A.’s office would follow the Judge’s request.