Alexandria Men Dodge Bullets, End Up in Federal Pen

Three Alexandria area men are off the streets and headed to federal prison after a series of arrests and convictions.

Kenneth Wayne Williams, Jr., 33, of Pineville, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role in a massive methamphetamine trafficking operation.

According to court documents, Williams was arrested on May 23, 2023, after a Louisiana State Police trooper pulled him over for a traffic violation. When Williams exited the vehicle, the trooper observed him put a plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance into his pocket. A subsequent search of the vehicle and Williams’ residence turned up over 1,300 grams of methamphetamine, along with an AK-style rifle, a Glock 22 semi-automatic pistol, and $20,000 in cash.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, with Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody handling the prosecution.

Daniel Lee Ellsworth, 33, of Alexandria, received a total of 42 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ellsworth was arrested on November 16, 2022, after attempting to flee from an Alexandria Police Department officer. A loaded Manual Escodin revolver was found on his person, leading to his conviction as a felon in possession of a firearm.

James Gantt, 55, of Alexandria, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for sending threatening communications to a Social Security Administrative Law Judge.

Gantt pleaded guilty to the charge on February 5, 2024, after writing and signing a threatening letter to the judge on December 15, 2022.

The cases against Williams, Ellsworth, and Gantt serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities in the Alexandria area.

As the men face the harsh reality of federal prison time, the community can rest a little easier knowing that those who would seek to harm others through crime will be held accountable.