Former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts released after 90-day sentence

Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been released from jail after serving a 90-day sentence for the rape of a 16-year-old boy. Roberts, 44, completed her term on Monday.

Roberts was convicted in a jury trial for carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a minor following an incident at a pool party at her home in July 2024. While she faced a potential sentence of up to 17 years, Judge Kent Savoie issued the 90-day term after basing his decision on a list of over 30 similar cases that had been resolved through plea deals.

Judge Savoie publicly acknowledged that basing the sentence on plea deals was a mistake, as Roberts had exercised her right to a jury trial. Despite this admission, the judge declined to amend the sentence. In addition to her jail time, Roberts was ordered to pay $5,000 in fines, register as a sex offender, and undergo regular drug screenings. The brevity of the sentence has drawn criticism from community members who argued for more severe punishment.