Former Mayor Misty Roberts Released After 90-Day Sentence

Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts was released from jail on Monday, September 7, 2026, after completing a 90-day sentence for illegal sexual activity with a 16-year-old boy. Roberts, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2024, was convicted in March 2026 of felony charges including carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The incident occurred in July 2024 at a pool party and in her home. Roberts was sentenced in June 2026 by Judge Kent Savoie to 90 days incarceration, a $5,000 fine, and two five-year suspended sentences, along with five years of probation and mandatory offender registration. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of up to 17 years, but the judge denied their August 31 motion to reconsider the sentence. The judge acknowledged that his sentencing decision was based on plea deal cases rather than trial convictions and stated he had made an assumption that was wrong, but indicated he would not punish Roberts for exercising her right to a trial. During Roberts' trial, her own children testified against her, with her son claiming he witnessed the sexual encounter and took a photograph.