Ernest Nelson is a current resident of Alexandria representing District D which includes the areas of Ward 1 in Alexandria and Ward 9 in Pineville.
Ernest attended Our Lady of Sorrow Catholic Elementary School, St. James Catholic High School, LSU Law Enforcement School, Hazardous Material School, along with multiple certifications in Civil Defense.
He was employed by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department with the Uniformed Line Division for 16 years. He later served 16 years at Alexandria City Court Probation/Pretrial Diversion as a Probation Officer. In 2019, he became the Director of Alexandria City Court Probation/Pretrial Diversion, serving two years in this capacity.
Ernest worked for 16 months at the 9th Judicial District Rapides Public Defender’s Office in the Investigative Department. Within months of his employment, he was promoted to Chief Investigator.
Ernest is currently serving as Chairman of the Workforce Development and Grants Committee; and is a member of Finance Committee; the Parochial Board Liaison and Municipal Liaison Committee; the Public Works, Watershed and Agricultural Affairs Committee; the Tourism and Economic Planning and Development Committee; the Courthouse, Coliseum and Legal Committee; the Personnel, Elections and Health Committee; and the Insurance, Ambulance, Fire and Homeland Security Committee of the Rapides Parish Police Jury.
Ernest takes pride in all things. He has spent most of his life helping numerous people in all aspects of law enforcement life, in his church community, or even out-of-state jurisdiction. He has always been a dedicated worker and believes in doing his best at whatever it entails. He is a devoted family man and member of his church, where he currently is the vice president of the Deacon Board and member of the Trustee Board.
Ernest is married to Patricia A. Nelson. Together they have one daughter, Tiffany, and two sons, Ernest Jr., and Desmond (daughters-in-law Wanda and Jasmine). He has 15 grandchildren.
