Judge Explains Why Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts Received 90-Day Jail Sentence
The sentencing of former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts continues to spark debate across Louisiana, and now the judge who handed down the controversial punishment is shedding more light on how he reached his decision.
Roberts was sentenced Tuesday to 90 days in jail, a suspended five-year sentence, a $5,000 fine, probation conditions, counseling requirements, and sex offender registration after being convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The sentence immediately drew criticism online, with many calling it too lenient given the nature of the crimes and Roberts' position as a former elected official.
Social Media Reaction Remains Intense
In the hours and days following sentencing, social media platforms were flooded with comments from people questioning whether the punishment fit the crime.
Many commenters argued that a male defendant convicted under similar circumstances would have received a much harsher punishment. Others questioned why Roberts received only 90 days behind bars despite facing charges that carried a potential maximum sentence of up to 17 years.
The case quickly became one of the most discussed legal stories in Louisiana, with criticism directed at both the sentence and the broader criminal justice system.
Judge Says Local Precedent Influenced Decision
In an effort to better understand the sentencing, KPLC reached out to Judge Kent Savoie, who presided over the case as an ad hoc judge.
While Savoie declined to provide a formal interview, he pointed reporters back to comments he made during the sentencing hearing.
According to Savoie, one of the primary factors in determining Roberts' punishment was how similar cases had been handled in Beauregard Parish over the last 15 years.
"I took into account what has happened in Beauregard Parish in the past 15 years," Savoie said during sentencing, noting that he reviewed cases involving both men and women convicted of carnal knowledge and indecent behavior with juveniles.
The judge also said he considered the impact the case had on the victim's family and acknowledged testimony presented during the sentencing hearing.
Judge Criticized Roberts During Sentencing
Although the sentence has generated criticism, Savoie did not spare Roberts from criticism during his remarks from the bench.
The judge noted that Roberts had instructed several children not to discuss what happened following the incident.
"You told several children after the commission of the crime that they should not talk about it," Savoie said.
He also stated that Roberts failed to fully accept responsibility for her actions despite comments she made during the hearing.
"In your statement today, you don't take full responsibility for your actions," he said.
At the same time, Savoie acknowledged Roberts had no prior criminal convictions before the case.
Suspended Sentence Carries Long-Term Consequences
While Roberts received 90 days in jail, the punishment does not end there.
The former mayor was also given a suspended five-year sentence on each felony count, running concurrently. If she violates the conditions of her probation, she could be ordered to serve a total of 10 years in prison.
She must also register as a sex offender and comply with counseling and supervision requirements imposed by the court.
Who Is Judge Kent Savoie?
Savoie is a retired judge who served on Louisiana's Third Circuit Court of Appeal from 2015 until 2024. Prior to that, he served on the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish.
He was appointed as an ad hoc judge in the Roberts case after both Beauregard Parish judges recused themselves from the proceedings.