Lt. Ellsworth joined the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1982. While working a full time job, Lt. Ellsworth attended a night time version of the Southwest Florida Crime Justice Academy and graduated in 1984. He served as a reserve deputy until 1989 when he became a full time road patrol deputy assigned to District 3. In 1994, Lt. Ellsworth was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Unit which is reasonable for investigating crimes against property. In November 1994, he was transfer to the Major Crimes Unit. The Major Crimes Unit works crimes against persons.

In 2000 while working in Major Crimes, Lt. Ellsworth was promoted to the rank of corporal. His new assignments included supervising detectives, search warrants, and investigations. In 2001, he was assigned to the newly-formed Computer Crimes Unit. Lt. Ellsworth's responsibility turned to investigating child pornography, fraud and any investigation that dealt with a computer. In 2002, he became a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner.

In 2005, Lt. Ellsworth was promoted to sergeant. His duties involved supervising Computer Crimes Unit, Economic Crimes Unit and Evidence Section. He continued in this field until 2008, when he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned as a Watch Commander. In 2009 he was transferred to command the District Investigations Section.

Lt. Ellsworth received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University in Criminal Justice in 1998.