More Jail Time? Former Louisiana Mayor Heads Back To Court As Prosecutors Seek Harsher Sentence
For many across Louisiana, the sentence handed down to former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts sparked outrage.
Now, prosecutors are asking a judge to reconsider that punishment, setting the stage for another courtroom battle that could result in Roberts spending significantly more time behind bars.
The Beauregard Parish District Attorney's Office has successfully requested a hearing to reconsider Roberts' sentence after widespread criticism and new questions surrounding how that sentence was determined.
Prosecutors Want A Harsher Sentence
According to KPLC, prosecutors filed a motion asking Judge Kent Savoie to reconsider the sentence imposed on Roberts following her conviction for crimes involving a 16-year-old boy.
Judge Savoie granted the request, and Roberts is now scheduled to return to court on August 31, where prosecutors will argue that her original sentence was too lenient.
The motion follows months of public criticism after many viewed Roberts' punishment as little more than a "slap on the wrist."
Why The Sentence Drew So Much Criticism
Earlier this year, Roberts was found guilty after a week-long trial that included testimony from multiple witnesses.
She was convicted of:
- Carnal knowledge of a juvenile
- Indecent behavior with a juvenile
Despite those convictions, Roberts received:
- 90 days in jail
- A $5,000 fine
- Two suspended five-year prison sentences
- Mandatory drug screenings
- Court-ordered therapy following her release
She is currently expected to be released in early September unless the court modifies her sentence.
KPLC Investigation Raised New Questions
The renewed court proceedings come after a KPLC investigation examined the cases Judge Savoie referenced during sentencing.
According to that report, every case cited by the judge involved defendants who accepted plea agreements rather than being convicted by a jury.
That distinction became a major point of contention for prosecutors, who argued Roberts' case was fundamentally different because she was found guilty at trial.
Beauregard Parish District Attorney Jimmy Lestage previously told KPLC he disagreed with the sentence. Assistant District Attorney Charles Robinson is expected to present that argument during the August hearing.
What Happens Next
The Aug. 31 hearing will determine whether Judge Savoie leaves the original sentence in place or imposes a harsher punishment.
While judges rarely revisit sentences after they have been imposed, Louisiana law allows a court to reconsider a sentence under certain circumstances. The upcoming hearing will give prosecutors an opportunity to argue that Roberts' punishment does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offenses or align with similar cases.
The outcome could determine whether Roberts serves additional jail time beyond her current release date.
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff