Judge’s Stunning 90 Days—Ex-Mayor Walks?

A Louisiana judge kept a 90-day jail sentence for a convicted ex-mayor who faced up to 17 years, even after admitting his sentencing comparison was based on plea deals, not trials.

Story Snapshot

A jury convicted former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts of two felonies involving a 16-year-old boy.
The judge imposed 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and suspended prison terms.
Prosecutors sought more time; the judge denied their motion to reconsider.
The judge later said his case list guidance was plea deals, not trials, but kept the sentence.

What the Court Decided and Why It Sparked Outrage

Judge Kent Savoie sentenced Misty Roberts to 90 days in parish jail, a $5,000 fine, and two five-year suspended sentences after a jury found her guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile tied to a 2024 party involving a 16-year-old boy. Reporters noted she had faced up to 17 years in prison under the statutes charged, which made the 90-day term stand out to the public and prosecutors who called for more time.

Prosecutors from the Beauregard Parish District Attorney’s office asked the court to reconsider the 90-day sentence. They argued the punishment did not match the crimes and urged the judge to impose a tougher term. Judge Savoie denied the motion and let the original sentence stand. He said the state’s bid for a maximum sentence was “a little overboard” for a first-time offender, according to local reporting on the hearing.

The Judge’s Rationale and His Later Clarification

At sentencing, Judge Savoie said he looked at how similar local cases were handled over the last 15 years as a guide. He referenced cases involving carnal knowledge and indecent behavior with juveniles, and he said he weighed statements from the victim’s family during the hearing. Defense lawyers said prosecutors were trying to penalize Roberts for going to trial instead of taking a plea, which they called a “trial tax”.

After media reviewed the judge’s case list, the court hearing on reconsideration produced a key clarification. Reporting says Judge Savoie admitted he was wrong when he initially stated the list mixed trials and plea deals; it was composed of plea agreements. Even so, he declined to change the sentence. A radio report added he was disappointed the state sought the maximum but said that did not change his view.

Why This Case Hits a Nerve Beyond One Town

This case shows how much power judges have under laws that allow wide ranges for sex offenses involving teens. Coverage noted Roberts’ charges could draw years in prison, but the law also permits suspended time and short jail terms in some scenarios. That gap fuels anger when the offender held public office, even if the judge says the conduct did not use mayoral powers and local practice supported a lighter sentence.

🚨Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts Released After Serving 90 Days for Felony Juvenile Sex Crimes

📍DERIDDER, La.

Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts was released from state custody on September 7, according to official department records, after completing a 90-day jail… pic.twitter.com/A3DdTRb0Ck

— Amy Leigh (@IAmyLeigh) September 8, 2026

Public trust suffers when facts seem to clash: a child victim, a conviction on two felonies, and a sentence shorter than a season of school. Prosecutors say the comparison set was flawed and the punishment too light. The judge says local outcomes and first-offender status justify the term. Without a full transcript, written reasons, or the presentence report in public view, citizens see a system that protects insiders and confuses accountability.