Bryant to serve half-century in prison for sex crimes

A Shreveport man convicted last month of groping and fondling a juvenile female at a large family gathering in 2022 was sentenced to a total prison term of 50 years in Caddo District Court Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

District Judge Chris Victory sentenced Willie Thomas Bryant, 69, to 40 years in prison for sexual battery of a person under age 13 and to an additional 10 years for indecent behavior with a juvenile under age 13 for the incident that occurred July 6, 2022. The terms are to be served consecutively without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. 

In the incident, Bryant fondled and groped the girl over her clothing. The child disclosed the act to older siblings and eventually to her mother, who was unaware that Bryant was a registered sex offender. Bryant was convicted of the crimes March 3, 2026.

Already a lifetime registered sex offender for a sex crime committed in the 1990s, he must register for the new convictions as well: lifetime registration for the sexual battery and 15 years for the indecent behavior.

Assistant District Attorneys Courtney N. Ray and Victoria T. Washington prosecuted the case. Michael Enright and Katie Miller defended Bryant.

The case was docket No. 404584.