Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts, 43, is facing court on charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
She allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old boy at a party in 2024.
Roberts, who was in her second term as mayor at the time, resigned shortly after the alleged incident.
Widespread attention
Misty Roberts, the 43-year-old former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, is facing trial for third-degree rape over an alleged sexual encounter with a 16-year-old boy at a party in 2024, according to Beauregard News, KPLC and The Acadiana Advocate.
The alleged incident reportedly took place during a booze-fueled pool party and was witnessed by her children. Following the party, prosecutors said the mother of the teen — who was friends with Roberts’ son — texted the former mayor to check if she was pregnant.
Roberts allegedly responded that she was on birth control and later reportedly ordered emergency contraception via DoorDash.
The case has drawn widespread attention in the small town of roughly 9,800 residents, as the trial continues with testimony from Roberts’ children and other witnesses.
During court, Robert’s son recounted an interview from 2025 in which he claimed he saw his mother with his friend through a crack in a window, though he later admitted he wasn’t entirely sure what he had witnessed.
On the stand, he told the jury that he couldn’t be completely sure about what he saw, saying that in his “human mind” it seemed that way, according to reports.
“He is seventeen,” he had texted Roberts that night, according to evidence shown to the jury. Officials later confirmed the alleged victim was 16 at the time.
Robert’s daughter also told investigators she saw her mother and the teen “on top of each other” during the party.
A DoorDash driver testified that he delivered emergency contraception to Roberts’ home after the alleged encounter, from someone called “Misty C”.
He said he recognized the house from previous trick-or-treat visits with his children and later heard rumors linking the delivery to the incident.
Prosecutors presented screenshots showing Roberts discussing the pill with friends in a group chat, allegedly acknowledging she might take Plan B.
Teens drinking by the pool
Witnesses described the party as chaotic, with teens drinking by the pool while Roberts, wearing a bikini, allegedly danced and flirted with the teen.
One of the victim’s friends testified that Roberts’ daughter informed the group she had seen her mother and the minor making out, and later saw them engaging in sexual activity.
Roberts’ ex-husband, Duncan Clanton, also testified that Roberts admitted to him that she had sex with the teen and that the children had witnessed it.
“I need to talk to you,” Roberts texted Clanton, according to the court papers obtained by Daily Mail. ”I just need to tell you in person.”
“I f—ked up. And I respect you enough to tell you. And I need to,” Roberts said.
Texts between the former couple revealed Roberts acknowledging the harm caused, writing, “I can’t keep hurting others, friends and family. Lord knows I’ve done enough.”
Court documents and photographs from the 2024 party were presented, though witnesses emphasized that no private parts were visible in the images.
According to KPLC and the American Press, the trial is scheduled to continue Saturday at 9 a.m.
This is Roberts’ second trial. The first ended in a mistrial after two judges were removed due to alleged connections to her ex-husband.
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