A former mayor, Misty Roberts, faces accusations of engaging in sexual activity with an underage boy during a pool party, as her own children claim to have witnessed the alleged incident. The incident reportedly took place in 2024 while Roberts was serving as the mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana. Following multiple delays, her trial on a third-degree rape charge commenced recently. Roberts stepped down from her mayoral position in late July 2024, just days before being arrested and charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of minors.
During the trial, jurors were presented with photos from the party, including images of children holding drinks near the pool. Testimonies from Roberts’ children revealed that her son observed his mother engaging in sexual activity with his friend through a window, while her daughter mentioned witnessing Roberts and the teenager in a compromising position. However, during their testimonies in court, both children expressed uncertainties about what they saw that night. Notably, a text message was presented in which Roberts’ son appeared to inform her that the teenager was seventeen, though the victim was actually 16 years old at the time of the party.
Additionally, the court heard from two forensic interviewers who spoke with children linked to the case. Roberts’ nephew testified that he used his phone’s camera to observe the events of that night but was unsure if he recorded anything, indicating that any potential recording was deleted from his Snapchat. When questioned about clearing his Snapchat history before handing his phone to investigators, he explained it was due to concerns about incriminating photos of underage drinking, not an attempt to delete evidence.
Witnesses testified that they did not see any private body parts during the alleged incident, with one witness noting that the teenage boy was shirtless. Subsequent evidence revealed text exchanges between Roberts and the victim’s mother regarding pregnancy concerns and emergency contraception delivery to Roberts’ residence.
Roberts pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and carnal knowledge of a juvenile. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude for her time as mayor and the community’s support, citing a need to shift her focus and priorities. DeRidder, where the events transpired, is a city in Louisiana with a population of nearly 10,000 residents.
