A former Louisiana mayor is fighting serious criminal charges as jurors hear testimony from some of the people closest to her — her own children.
According to the New York Post, Misty Roberts, 43, once the leader of DeRidder, is accused in connection with a 2024 pool party involving teenagers and alcohol.
She has been charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
Roberts’s son previously told investigators he believed he saw his mother having sex with one of his friends. However, when he took the stand, he expressed uncertainty, saying he could not be sure about what he observed.
Jurors were also shown photos from the party. Some images depicted underage attendees holding drinks. Another picture showed Roberts in swimwear standing near the teen at the center of the case.
Text messages from that night were read aloud in court. In one exchange, the son questioned his mother about the teen’s age and told her his sister was upset.
Roberts’ daughter also testified. In a recorded interview played for the jury, she said she saw her mother and the teen together in a private area during the gathering, “on top of each other.”
A nephew told jurors he attempted to look into the room using his phone, but was unsure whether he captured any video, and said he did not share anything with others.
After the party, the teen’s mother contacted Roberts by text, asking if she could be pregnant. Roberts later shared a screenshot of that conversation with friends, who encouraged Roberts to get Plan B, according to prosecutors.
A delivery driver testified that he brought the emergency contraception to Roberts’ home shortly afterward, saying he recognized the residence from visiting the neighborhood with his children.
Additional messages introduced in court showed Roberts asking her son what kind of alcohol he and other teens wanted for the party.
Roberts stepped down as mayor days after the investigation began.
The trial is ongoing, with jurors continuing to review testimony and evidence related to the allegations.
