Alexandria Man Indicted as Armed Career Criminal on Drug and Firearm Charges
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on August 19 charging Cartez Dotson, 39, of Alexandria, with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Dotson faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. The indictment alleges that on January 14, 2026, Dotson possessed five grams or more of methamphetamine and an additional 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, along with two pistols and ammunition. Court records show Dotson has prior qualifying convictions that subject him to enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The case is being investigated by the FBI and ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel. Case Number: 1:26-CR-00209. An indictment is an allegation only — Dotson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Special Election Called for Rapides Parish Justice of the Peace, Ward 3, 2nd Justice Court
Governor Jeff Landry has signed a proclamation calling for a special election to fill the Rapides Parish Justice of the Peace seat for Ward 3, 2nd Justice Court after no candidates qualified for the position during the regular qualifying period. Under Louisiana law, a sitting governor is required to call a special election when no candidate qualifies and a vacancy would be created. The qualifying period for the special election is scheduled to open January 13, 2027. The primary election will follow on April 17, with a general election on May 29.
Children’s Heart Clinic of Louisiana Opens New Alexandria Location — Ribbon Cutting Today
Children’s Heart Clinic of Louisiana marks the grand opening of its new Alexandria location today, Friday, August 28, with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. at 3908 Parliament Drive. The event is hosted by the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce and is open to the public.
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TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville
Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.