District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that Thursday (July 30, 2026), a St. Tammany Parish jury found 66-year-old Eugene McKnight of Slidell, Louisiana, guilty as charged on all counts relating to narcotics trafficking following a trial before the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Alex Alexander prosecuted the case.
McKnight was convicted of:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II CDS (Cocaine)
- Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
On July 16, 2025, detectives with the Slidell Police Department Narcotics Task Force were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation at an apartment complex near the Interstate 10 Service Road in New Orleans. Detectives observed a pickup truck known to be associated with McKnight park in a secluded area of the lot.
When the vehicle departed, officers conducted surveillance and observed multiple traffic violations along Old Spanish Trail and Pontchartrain Drive as the vehicle returned to Slidell. An SPD Patrol Officer assisted task force detectives in executing a traffic stop on Pontchartrain Drive.
As detectives instructed McKnight to exit the passenger side of the vehicle, McKnight made furtive movements near his beltline and dropped a yellow and grey glove onto the ground to discard evidence. Detectives recovered the glove and discovered a large stash of narcotics hidden inside, including fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. Detectives also recovered cash from McKnight’s possession, which was seized as illicit drug proceeds. McKnight’s phone was also seized and searched. Detectives located chat conversations on the phone wherein McKnight was discussing selling narcotics to multiple individuals.
"We will not tolerate drug trafficking in St. Tammany Parish. This guilty verdict sends a clear message that our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will remain relentless in removing illegal narcotics from our streets,” stated District Attorney Collin Sims.
Judge Alan M. Black has scheduled sentencing for September 3, 2026.
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