Attorney General Liz Murrill is announcing the conviction of a suspected drug dealer in Algiers who had firearms and a deceased dog at his home when law enforcement originally arrested him.

In April 2025, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Narcotics/HIDTA Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and with support from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), initiated a joint narcotics investigation targeting an area known for high levels of drug activity and violent crime. As the investigation progressed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Gang Task Force joined the operation, along with assistance from Attorney General Murrill's Office.

During the investigation, authorities identified individuals responsible for distributing narcotics near the intersection of Newton, Whitney, and Wagner Streets. A residence in the 1600 block of Newton Street was identified as being associated with that activity, where frequent vehicle and pedestrian traffic consistent with suspected narcotics activity was observed. NOPD Fourth District officers later conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the location for a fictitious temporary tag, during which marijuana and Schedule II prescription pills were discovered. Further investigation determined the pills had been purchased from an individual operating out of the residence, identified as Dennis Pleasant, also known as “2 Scoops,” who had several outstanding warrants issued by NOPD.

On May 30, 2025, LSP Troopers, DEA agents, NOPD officers, and FBI Special Response Team (SRT) members executed a search warrant at the residence. As officers approached, a subject later identified as Vincent Jackson ran inside, while Dennis Pleasant fled from the rear and attempted to hide. Both Pleasant and Jackson were quickly located and taken into custody.

During a search of the residence, a fully loaded sawed-off shotgun was found near a window associated with suspected hand-to-hand drug activity. Investigators also recovered drug paraphernalia, including syringes and baggies. Behind the residence, in an abandoned structure, investigators found two severely emaciated dogs chained to the framing with no food or water present. One dog was deceased, and the second later died due to its condition after being turned over to the LASPCA. The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LASPCA) determined the 1- and 2-year-old pit bull mixes had been severely neglected, suffering from dehydration, malnourishment, flea and maggot infestations, and neck wounds consistent with prolonged chaining. Additionally, the residence was located near L.B. Landry High School, placing it within a designated gun- and drug-free zone. As a result of the investigation, both suspects were arrested and booked into the Orleans Justice Center.

In March 2026, through the prosecution efforts of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Dennis Pleasant and Vincent Jackson pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• Dennis Pleasant (43) was sentenced to 26 months in the Department of Corrections for Possession of a Firearm in a Gun-Free Zone, Possession of a Modified Shotgun, Animal Cruelty (two counts), Resisting an Officer, Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Vincent Jackson (60) received credit for time served for Resisting an Officer and Criminal Trespass.

Assistant Attorney General Carmen Gealogo handled the case and worked diligently to secure these convictions.

The LASPCA also expressed gratitude to AAG Gealogo and the team for their dedication and advocacy in this case, and for pursuing justice for the animals.

“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,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Anyone with potential information related to this case or other criminal activity is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. Information can be reported anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting “File a Report” or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.