A Louisiana courtroom heard disturbing testimony this week as the trial of former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts shed new light on allegations involving a teenage boy and a party at her home.

Roberts, 43, was found guilty earlier this week on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile stemming from a 2024 incident involving her son’s 16-year-old friend. The case has drawn national attention not only because of the allegations but also because Roberts was serving as mayor of the small Louisiana city at the time.

During the trial, the teen took the stand and described what he said happened at a birthday pool party Roberts hosted for her son. According to testimony, the gathering included alcohol and several teenagers.

The boy told jurors that Roberts, who was wearing a bikini at the time, flirted openly with him during the party. At one point, he said, she asked him to follow her into another room inside the home, where the encounter took place.

In emotional testimony, the teen described feeling overwhelmed and confused afterward as he tried to process what had happened.

The situation escalated later when Roberts’ son reportedly confronted his mother about the incident. According to the teen’s account in court, a heated argument broke out between Roberts and her son.

During that confrontation, the teen testified that Roberts allegedly tried to shift blame away from herself by directing anger toward him. He told jurors she shouted at her son and encouraged him to fight his friend.

The teen said he remained on a couch nearby during the argument, stunned by the confrontation unfolding around him.

Prosecutors argued the evidence showed Roberts had used her position of authority and trust to exploit a vulnerable situation involving a minor. Testimony during the trial also included photos taken during the party and details about the events leading up to the encounter.

Roberts’ conviction means she will be required to register as a sex offender.

Her sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 17.

The case has deeply shaken the community of DeRidder, a small city in western Louisiana, where Roberts once held a leadership role in local government.

For the teen who testified, the trial represented an opportunity to publicly recount what he says happened that night — and to see the case reach a legal conclusion after months of investigation and court proceedings.

As the sentencing date approaches, the case continues to spark conversation about accountability, power dynamics, and the responsibilities public officials carry both inside and outside their office.