Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Apr. 7 that two men have pleaded guilty following a joint narcotics investigation in Algiers, where law enforcement found firearms, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of severe animal neglect at a residence.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by multiple agencies to address both violent crime and animal cruelty in areas known for high levels of drug activity. Authorities say these partnerships are making an impact on community safety.
According to the Louisiana Department of Justice, the investigation began in April 2025 with cooperation between the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/HIDTA Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, and later included the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Task Force and Attorney General Murrill’s Office. Law enforcement targeted an area near Newton, Whitney, and Wagner Streets after observing suspected narcotics activity. A traffic stop led investigators to Dennis Pleasant—also known as “2 Scoops”—who had outstanding warrants from NOPD.
A search warrant executed on May 30, 2025 resulted in Pleasant and Vincent Jackson being taken into custody. Officers discovered a loaded sawed-off shotgun near a window used for suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions as well as syringes and baggies associated with narcotics use. Behind the home, two severely neglected pit bull mixes were found chained without food or water; one was deceased while the other died later due to its condition after being turned over to LASPCA. The property’s proximity to L.B. Landry High School placed it within a designated gun- and drug-free zone.
In March 2026, Dennis Pleasant was sentenced to 26 months in prison for possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone along with several other charges including animal cruelty. Vincent Jackson received credit for time served on related offenses.
Liz Murrill said: “This just goes to show that the partnerships we continue to forge in the New Orleans area are making a real impact on the community. I’d like to thank the LASPCA for its commitment to helping us pursue justice in this case. I also want to thank Louisiana State Police’s Narcotics/HIDTA Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the FBI’s Gang Task Force for their hard work.”
The Louisiana Department of Justice works statewide under Attorney General Murrill’s leadership according to its official website. The department serves as Louisiana’s primary legal office led by an independently elected attorney general according to its official website, focuses on protecting constitutional rights according to its official website, preserves state culture through legal efforts according to its official website, provides services across Louisiana according to its official website, and has challenged federal overreach more than 35 times under Murrill’s leadership according to its official website.