A jury in Louisiana has found the former mayor of DeRidder, Misty Roberts (43), guilty in a criminal case involving a 16-year-old teenager, which occurred at a pool party held at her home in July 2024.
The verdict was delivered on March 4, 2026, following a trial in local court. According to case records, Roberts was convicted on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and behavior inappropriate for a teenager under Louisiana state law.
Incident occurred during a party at her home
Court documents state the party was held for her son's birthday. During the event, Roberts was accused of taking a 16-year-old teenager – her son's friend – into a room in the house, where the behavior leading to criminal charges occurred.
After the incident was discovered, Roberts was arrested in July 2024 and resigned from her position as mayor shortly thereafter.
Former city's first female mayor
Roberts was elected mayor of DeRidder in 2018 under the name Misty Clanton, becoming the first female mayor in the city's history.
Ex-husband testifies at trial
During the trial, Duncan Clanton, Roberts' ex-husband, testified in court. The two filed for divorce in May 2022 and finalized the proceedings in mid-2023. They have two children together.
Legal documents related to the divorce were also included in the trial records, alongside evidence of prior online communication with the teenager.
Awaiting sentencing
According to legal regulations, Roberts must register as a sex offender following the jury's verdict, similar to sentences for other acts of sexual abuse of a minor.
The court is scheduled to sentence her on April 17, 2026.
