Former Louisiana Mayor Misty Roberts Released After 90-Day Jail Term for Juvenile Assault
A Former Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts has been released from jail after completing a 90-day sentence for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy at a 2024 pool party.
A jury convicted Roberts, 44, in March of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Both felonies carry a maximum of 17 years under Louisiana law.
The case involved an alcohol-fueled pool party Roberts hosted at her home in July 2024 to celebrate her son’s birthday while in office. The victim was her son’s 16-year-old friend, and her son reportedly discovered them together during the incident.
In June, Judge Kent Savoie sentenced Roberts to 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, two concurrent five-year suspended sentences, five years of probation, mandatory sex-offender registration, therapy, and random drug screenings.
Prosecutors from the Beauregard Parish District Attorney’s Office sought the maximum 17-year sentence. They later asked Judge Savoie to reconsider his decision.
On August 31, Judge Savoie acknowledged mischaracterizing approximately 30 prior cases used for comparison but declined to change the sentence. He stated he would not penalize Roberts for choosing a jury trial over a plea deal.
Roberts completed her sentence and left custody on September 7.
Her attorneys, Adam Johnson and Todd S. Clemons, commended the judge’s independence and thorough review. They stated that Roberts intended to serve her sentence promptly and comply with all court-ordered conditions.
During her sentencing hearing, Roberts addressed the court directly and expressed remorse for her conduct.
The sentence has drawn strong criticism from DeRidder community members and the victim’s family, who argue it was too lenient given the victim’s age.
A local resident described the outcome as inadequate for a crime against a child. A neighbor called it an insult to the victim and his family.
During sentencing, the district attorney read a letter from the victim’s aunt. She described how her 14-year-old son, present at the party, suffered significant anxiety and emotional distress after witnessing his cousin’s ordeal.
Roberts, first elected mayor in 2018, resigned from office days before her arrest in August 2024.
She remains subject to court-ordered conditions, including therapy, drug screening, and sex-offender registration following her release.
