A small Louisiana town is watching closely as explosive testimony unfolds in the trial of its former mayor, Misty Roberts, who is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage boy during a 2024 pool party at her home.

Roberts, 43, the former mayor of DeRidder, faces charges including third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The case centers on an alleged encounter with a 16-year-old boy during what prosecutors describe as a booze-filled gathering attended by minors.

Children Take the Stand

In emotional courtroom moments, Roberts’ own children testified about what they claim they saw that night.

Jurors were shown video interviews in which her son told investigators he observed his mother and his teenage friend through a crack in a window. However, while on the stand, he appeared less certain, saying he wasn’t completely sure what he witnessed.

Text messages presented in court revealed that the son contacted his mother during the party, expressing alarm. In one message, he pointed out the teen’s age and told her that his sister was upset and crying.

Roberts’ daughter also testified. In a recorded interview played for jurors, she said she saw her mother and the teen “on top of each other.”

A nephew of the former mayor told the court he attempted to use his phone to get a better look at what was happening inside a room but wasn’t sure whether he recorded anything.

While none of the young witnesses said they saw explicit body parts, they testified that the teen was shirtless and that the situation appeared inappropriate.

Photos, Texts and Plan B

Prosecutors also introduced photographs from the party, including images showing underage attendees holding drinks. One photo showed Roberts in a bikini with the teen smiling up at her — an image prosecutors described as suggestive.

Additional text messages presented in court added to the controversy. After the alleged encounter, the teen’s mother reportedly reached out to Roberts to confirm she was not pregnant. Roberts replied that she was on birth control.

She later shared a screenshot of that exchange with friends in a group chat. According to testimony, some friends encouraged her to take emergency contraception. A DoorDash driver testified that he delivered Plan B to her home and recognized the address.

In separate messages, prosecutors say Roberts asked her son what type of alcohol the teens wanted for the party.

Political Fallout

Roberts was serving her second term as mayor when she resigned days after the investigation became public. DeRidder, a town of fewer than 10,000 residents near the Texas border, has been gripped by the scandal.

The trial continues as jurors weigh testimony, text messages and photographs that prosecutors argue paint a troubling picture of what happened that night.