UMVA has learned that a former Louisiana mayor, Misty Roberts, has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for having sex with her teenage son's friend at an alcohol-fueled party.
Roberts, 43, was convicted in March of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile after having sex with the 16-year-old boy during a July 2024 birthday party for her son at her home. The disgraced politician was branded a "predator" in court by the victim's mother before her sentencing.
The victim's mother delivered an emotional statement accusing Roberts of preying on a child entrusted to her care, saying "Danger doesn’t always look like danger. This predator has hair extensions, high heels, Botox and other augmentations." Her words painted a vivid picture of a calculated and manipulative individual.
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose the maximum 17-year sentence, arguing Roberts had failed to accept responsibility for her actions. "This is not a dumb lady. This is somebody who managed an entire city budget," prosecutor Charles Robinson said, highlighting Roberts' lack of accountability.
Instead, Judge D. Kent Savoie handed down a relatively lenient sentence, ordering Roberts to serve 90 days in jail, along with two suspended five-year sentences. She was also required to undergo therapy, register as a sex offender, and submit to regular drug and alcohol testing.
Roberts apologized in court, saying she would "blame myself for the rest of my life," and expressed sorrow to the victim's family for the pain and embarrassment they had endured. Her words were a stark contrast to her actions, revealing a deep-seated regret.
Testimonies from Roberts' family members, including her ex-husband Duncan Clanton and daughter, corroborated the events of that fateful night. Text messages between Roberts and her teen son also revealed a disturbing level of involvement and awareness of the party.
As Roberts stood before the judge, she acknowledged her mistakes, calling herself "an embarrassment" to the city. Her plea for "grace and mercy" was a poignant conclusion to a case that had left many questioning her judgment and character.
