Former Louisiana mayor completes 90-day jail term for raping 16-year-old boy
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Misty Roberts, former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has completed a 90-day jail sentence for raping a 16-year-old boy while in office and has been released, according to state corrections records.
- Roberts was convicted in March 2024 of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a minor after sexually assaulting the victim at a pool party at her home.
- Despite facing up to 17 years in prison, Roberts received a relatively brief sentence, which sparked public outrage and controversy in DeRidder for its perceived leniency.
- The judge, Kent Savoie, acknowledged errors in comparing her case to others resolved by plea deals but declined to impose a harsher sentence, respecting her right to a jury trial.
- In addition to jail time, Roberts must register as a sex offender, pay fines, undergo therapy, and face suspended prison sentences if she violates release conditions; she publicly apologized and accepted responsibility at sentencing.
