In a string of harsh sentences, three Alexandria men have been handed federal prison time for their involvement in drug trafficking, gun charges, and sending threatening communications to a federal judge. The cases, announced by United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown, demonstrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on crime in the region.
Thirty-three-year-old Kenneth Wayne Williams, Jr., of Pineville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug and firearms charges. Williams was arrested on May 23, 2023, after a Louisiana State Police trooper stopped his vehicle for a traffic violation. The trooper observed Williams put a plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance into his pocket, leading to the discovery of two bags of methamphetamine and additional evidence at his residence.
Williams’ sentencing is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody. The evidence seized in Williams’ case included over one kilogram of methamphetamine, digital scales, over $20,000 in cash, an AK-style rifle, and a Glock 22 semi-automatic pistol.
Thirty-three-year-old Daniel Lee Ellsworth, of Alexandria, was sentenced to 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 previously convicted in 2020 of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest. He was found with a loaded Manual Escodin revolver during a pursuit by the Alexandria Police Department.
Ellsworth’s case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alexandria Police Department, with prosecution by Criminal Chief Allison L. Duncan. His supervised probation was revoked as a result of this offense.
Finally, fifty-five-year-old James Gantt, 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 placed a handwritten letter into the mail on December 15, 2022, which contained a threat to injure the judge. He pleaded guilty to the charge on February 5, 2024.
Gantt’s case was investigated by the Social Security Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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