Title: Former Louisiana Mayor Convicted of Raping Teenage Boy: A Shocking Case of Abuse and Betrayal
A former mayor in Louisiana has been found guilty of raping a 16-year-old boy at a party in her home while she was still in office. Misty Roberts, 43, was convicted of two felonies, including statutory rape of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a minor. The jury deliberated for less than an hour after a seven-day trial where witnesses testified that she sexually assaulted the underage boy during a pool party in July 2024.
The victim testified that Roberts flirted with him, kissed him, and eventually raped him after they had been drinking heavily at the party. Witnesses, including Roberts's children and nephew, confirmed seeing her with the victim but did not witness the assault. Roberts instructed her family members to lie about what they saw and even texted one of them to "lie 'til you die."
Roberts's ex-husband testified that she confessed to him about the crime, and text messages between them indicated her acknowledgment of wrongdoing. She resigned as mayor of DeRidder one day after authorities began investigating the complaint against her and later made bail to await her trial.
In 2018, Roberts made history as the first woman elected as mayor of DeRidder and won a second term in 2022. She had expressed her intention to run for a third term before the allegations surfaced. Following her resignation, the city elected its first Black mayor, Michael D Harris. The sentencing for Roberts is scheduled for 17 April.
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, you can contact the Childhelp abuse hotline in the US at 800-422-4453 or visit their website for resources and reporting. Adult survivors of child abuse can seek help at ascasupport.org. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support for children at 0800 1111 and for adults concerned about a child at 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) provides support for adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In Australia, the Kids Helpline can be reached at 1800 55 1800 for children, and Bravehearts at 1800 272 831 for young adults, parents, and teachers. Adult survivors can contact the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380 for support.