Cops Hunt Algiers Suspect Accused Of Swiping $800 From Blind 85-Year-Old

New Orleans police are calling on the public to help track down a suspect after an 85-year-old blind resident in Algiers was allegedly targeted in a daytime theft. Officers say an envelope holding about $800 was taken from the victim's purse around 10 a.m. on May 27, and detectives now have a named suspect they want to bring in.

Police release suspect details

According to the New Orleans Police Department, the suspect is identified as Anthony Leonard Jackson, Jr., born March 15, 2006. He is described as a Black male, about five feet 11 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds. Investigators say Jackson is wanted for theft of assets from an aged or disabled person and for exploitation of the infirmed in connection with the May 27 incident at an undisclosed residence in Algiers. Police report that the victim is an 85-year-old blind person and that an envelope containing roughly $800 was removed from the victim's purse.

How to report tips

Anyone with information is urged to contact Fourth District detectives at (504) 658-6040, as listed on the City of New Orleans NOPD contacts page. Tipsters can also reach out anonymously through CrimeStoppers of Greater New Orleans, either via the online tip portal or by calling the hotline at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP, according to the city's Crimestoppers guidance (City of New Orleans). The NOPD public affairs division, listed on the city website, handles media follow-up.

What the charges mean

Louisiana law treats theft of an aged or disabled person's assets and exploitation of the infirmed as separate crimes, with penalties that depend on how much money or property was taken and the circumstances of the case. The state's criminal code outlines sentencing ranges and enhanced penalties when the victim is elderly or otherwise vulnerable, according to Justia on theft of assets and Justia on exploitation of the infirmed.

Neighbors, safety and follow-up

Police bulletins like this often appear first on NOPD's Facebook page and are then amplified by local media to help funnel tips to detectives, a pattern highlighted in coverage of other recent NOPD searches. If you see someone matching the suspect description, authorities caution against approaching them. Instead, call 911 immediately or contact Fourth District detectives so officers can handle the situation.