A Louisiana jury has convicted former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts of sexually abusing her son's teenage friend during an alcohol-fueled pool party at her home in 2024, finding her guilty on two felony counts after less than an hour of deliberations.
Roberts, 43, was found guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile in connection with a July 2024 party at her residence, where she was still serving as mayor at the time.
The victim was 16 years old during the incident, making him legally too young to consent under Louisiana law, according to People.
Jurors heard that Roberts hosted the pool party for her son, provided alcohol to the teens, and later initiated sexual contact with the boy after both had been drinking heavily. The teen testified that Roberts flirted with him by the pool, then led him upstairs and assaulted him while he was heavily intoxicated and vomiting.
The jury returned its verdict after a seven-day trial that included testimony from the victim, Roberts' son and daughter, her nephew, and other witnesses who were at the gathering.
According to testimony, family members and other teens saw Roberts and the boy together and believed they were engaged in sexual activity, even if they did not witness the assault itself, The Guardian reported.
A DoorDash driver told the court he delivered a Plan B emergency contraceptive pill to Roberts' home after the party, supporting prosecutors' account of what happened that night. Jurors also saw evidence that Roberts allegedly instructed her children and nephew to lie about what they had seen, including a text message that read, "Lie 'til you die."
Roberts resigned as mayor of the small city of DeRidder just days before turning herself in to authorities in 2024, following her initial arrest on rape-related charges. She has remained free on bond during the court proceedings, according to local reports.
The former mayor now faces up to 17 years in prison when she is sentenced on April 17, with the statutory maximums tied to each of the two felony counts. She will also be required to register as a sex offender under Louisiana law following the conviction, as per TMZ.
