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Former DeRidder Mayor
In addition to her jail time and fine, Roberts is required to adhere to several conditions during a five-year probation period. These include abstaining from drugs and alcohol, undergoing random drug screenings, paying monthly supervision fees, and maintaining no contact with the victim or his family. Should she violate any of these conditions, Roberts faces a potential 10-year prison sentence. State prosecutors had sought the maximum penalties, while her defense team argued for a suspended sentence.
During the sentencing hearing, the judge heard emotional victim impact statements from the mother of the 16-year-old, along with two of his sisters and a cousin. They described the profound effects the incident has had on the victim, including panic attacks, significant school absences, and concerns about his mental health. The victim's mother labeled Roberts a "child predator," emphasizing the lasting impact on their family and warning her to "stay the hell away" from them.
Roberts addressed the courtroom prior to her sentencing, expressing remorse for her actions and the embarrassment she has caused her community. "I have sat with the consequences of my actions for nearly two years," she stated, reflecting on the day of the incident as a low point in her life. She acknowledged her anxiety over losing her children as a factor that led her to seek false statements regarding the events that transpired.
In support of Roberts, psychologist Sasha Joy Lambert testified that she poses a minimal risk of reoffending and would benefit from targeted, extended treatment. This assessment may play a role in shaping the conditions of her probation and future rehabilitation efforts. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of legal and personal accountability in such sensitive matters.
