DeRidder, Louisiana: City and parish seat with ~9,852 residents (2020). Recent news: ex-mayor Misty Roberts convicted of two felonies, including statutory rape, and sentenced to 90 days. Roberts’ case highlights local governance and community safety concerns.
Roberts, a former DeRidder mayor, has completed a 90-day jail term after a 2024 conviction for carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a minor. Prosecutors sought harsher punishment but the judge based the sentence on plea-deal cases; Roberts resigning preceded her arrest. She now faces fines, sex-offender registration, and treatment requirements.