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Gainesville Man Sentenced to 43 Years and 9 Months in Prison for Armed Kidnapping
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Curtis Kennedy Williams, 31, of Gainesville, has been sentenced to 43 years and 9 months in federal prison for kidnapping, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Williams was convicted on July 27, 2016, following a jury trial. His co-defendant, Shakayla Nicole Taylor, 22, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced in September 2016 to 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping.
According to the investigation, in October 2015, Williams and Taylor kidnapped a young woman in Gainesville by forcing her into a car and holding her at gunpoint. Taylor then drove them to her Louisiana residence. During the trip, Williams raped and beat the victim, and fired the gun into the backseat of the car. Williams and Taylor were arrested at an apartment complex in Louisiana where the victim was also rescued.
“Combatting violent crime is a top priority for my office, the law enforcement community, and our many federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who tirelessly work to keep our communities safe,” said Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The FBI is committed to thoroughly investigating violent crimes of this nature, and we will continue to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for their victims,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville division.
“Violent crime will not be tolerated in Alachua County. This case shows the complete cooperation within the law enforcement community to bring justice to violent criminals,” said Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorney Frank T. Williams prosecuted the case.
For more information, contact Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer at amy.alexander@usdoj.gov.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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