A mayoral pool party scandal has taken center stage in a Louisiana courtroom as former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts stands trial on serious felony charges. Prosecutors allege Roberts engaged in a sexual act with a 16-year-old boy during a late-night, alcohol-fueled pool party at her home in 2024. Roberts, 43, has pleaded not guilty to charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Her second trial is underway after the first ended in a mistrial due to judicial issues in Beauregard Parish. Jurors have heard testimony from Roberts’ children, her ex-husband Duncan Clanton, a DoorDash driver, and several teenagers who attended the gathering.
Prosecutors presented a recorded interview in which Roberts’ son told authorities he saw his mother with his friend through a crack in a window. On the stand, he later said he was not certain what he saw. Text messages shown in court included one warning from her son stating, “He is seventeen,” though the alleged victim was 16 at the time.
Roberts’ daughter testified she saw her mother and the teen “on top of each other” that night. Jurors also reviewed messages in which Roberts allegedly suggested taking emergency contraception, writing about “Plan B.” A DoorDash driver testified he delivered the product to the home for an order placed under “Misty C.”
Clanton told jurors Roberts confessed and that their children witnessed the encounter. He recounted messages in which he wrote, “I would deny what happened if you’re approached by anyone at the meeting,” and Roberts replied, “I need you to deny it, please.” In another message, Roberts stated, “I can’t keep hurting others, friends and family. Lord knows I’ve done enough.”
Roberts resigned days before her 2024 arrest. The trial continues.
