‘Predator with hair extensions’: Former mayor avoids major jail time for having sex with teen at house party

DERIDDER, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - A former Louisiana mayor was sentenced for having sex with a teen at a house party while serving as an elected official

Misty Roberts was sentenced to 90 days in jail for having sex with a 16-year-old boy while she was mayor of DeRidder.

Roberts, 44, was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, both felonies, on March 3.

She also had to register as a sex offender.

Roberts was in court less than two weeks ago while her attorneys asked for a new trial, citing reasons including inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony. Judge Kent Savoie denied the motion.

The first impact statement was from Holly Jones, speaking on behalf of her husband and son, who is one of the victim’s friends. Her testimony revolved around what Roberts did to her family.

“At only 14 years old, our son was planted in the middle of an adult criminal case,” Jones told the court.

Jones went on to say that instead of her son having a normal high school experience, “he was instead pulled into years of court hearings, media, and delays. We respectfully ask the court to consider the impact the case has had on not only the victims but the families.”

The court also heard from the victim’s mother. She opened her statement by setting the scene: “A simple birthday party. A gathering of friends and family. The kind of night that should have ended in laughter and memories.”

She went on to say, “This predator was not hiding in a van carrying candy or a puppy. This danger came from a predator with hair extensions, high heels, Botox, and other modifications.”

She also said the pain didn’t end the night of the incident or the trial. She turned to Roberts and her attorneys and said, “The attorneys you hired claimed we put your kids on the stand. Oh no, Miss, that’s you. My heart broke for all the kids that we forced to relive that night. Your team flat-out lied and was very disrespectful throughout this trial.”

Roberts must pay a $5,000 fine and will be subject to regular drug screenings as well as psychotropic and psychological therapy after her release from jail.

She also received two five-year suspended sentences, which will be served concurrently unless she breaks the terms of her parole.