Drug dealer nets 20-year prison sentence

A 33-year-old Houma man pleaded guilty on the eve of his drug and weapons possession trial last week, drawing a 20-year prison term.

Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. and his prosecutors say the case of Alton Williams III is indicative of their efforts to get felons who choose to possess firearms in violation of the law off the streets as a means of addressing violence that has plagued Terrebonne Parish communities in recent years.

“The habitual offenders are the ones causing the bulk of the crime in our parish, the more serious crimes, and our office is focusing on the violent and habitual criminals, to put them away and make our streets safer,” Waitz said. “The problem we have is a small percentage of bad guys doing the large share of the crimes, and that is why we are trying to target the habitual offenders.”

Williams was stopped the night of June 25 near the intersection of Coteau Road and La. 182 by State Trooper Tracy Plaisance, because the auto he was driving had no license plate. Subsequently an AR-15 firearm, methamphetamine and pills were discovered, along with ammunition.

“He has a history of drug dealing and the violence comes out of this drug dealing and the violence that comes out of this drug dealing hurts us,” said First Assistant District Attorney Jason Dagate. “We are continuing to take a firm stance on cases such as this.”

Williams pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, as well as possession of pills. The 20-year sentence, prosecutors said, was enough to guarantee removal from the streets for a substantial period, although less than if multiple bills were introduced, thus inducing a plea.

Assistant District Attorneys Seth Dodd and Dennis Elfert handled the case Thursday in District Judge Johnny Walker’s courtroom; They have worked as a team for more than three years and of late have been part of an office-wide effort to identify and dispose of cases of habitual offenders who have a history of violence or whose behavior indicates a propensity for same.

Dagate had praise for Trooper Plaisance, whose car-stop all those months ago made prosecution possible.

“There was a thoroughness to his investigation, and his not just making the stop and letting it go,” said Dagate. “This trooper’s training kicked in and allowed him to do investigation which led to a good case and a solid case that our prosecutors could use.”. •

Alton Williams