Louisiana Mayor On Trial For Sexually Assaulting A Minor At A Pool Party At Her House In Front Of Her Kids

A high-profile criminal trial in Louisiana has gripped the nation this week as jurors hear shocking testimony in the case of a former mayor accused of sexually assaulting a teenager.

Misty Roberts, 43, who served as mayor of DeRidder before abruptly resigning in 2024, is facing third-degree rape and related charges in connection with an alleged incident involving a 16-year-old boy at a pool party she hosted at her home, prosecutors say.

The trial, now in full swing in Beauregard Parish — has featured dramatic, emotional testimony from multiple witnesses, including Roberts’ own children. During proceedings this week, a teenage witness testified that he saw the former mayor and the boy together on the night in question, while another minor told jurors he observed the pair “on top of each other.”

In a poignant moment, the victim’s mother took the stand, recounting how her son returned home after the party and told her what had happened — testimony that has been central to the prosecution’s case.

Jurors were also shown photos from the event, including one described by prosecutors as “lewd,” depicting Roberts in a bikini near the teenager.

In addition to eyewitness accounts, court testimony has included evidence that Roberts ordered emergency contraception via a food-delivery service shortly after the party — a detail delivered by a DoorDash driver who identified the delivery to police.

Roberts has pleaded not guilty and denies the accusations. Her attorney is challenging witness statements and arguing that the evidence does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This is not Roberts’ first trip to the courtroom on the matter. A previous indictment of the former mayor was thrown out after procedural issues involving local judges, but charges were refiled and the retrial began earlier this year.

The case has sparked intense attention — not just because of its disturbing allegations, but due to Roberts’ once-prominent role in a close-knit community of roughly 10,000 people. She was the first woman elected mayor of DeRidder and had served in city government for more than a decade before resigning in July 2024 as the investigation unfolded.

As the trial continues, more testimony is expected, and the outcome could have wide-ranging legal consequences for Roberts and her reputation.