Over recent months, six individuals from New Orleans have pleaded guilty to various charges related to drug trafficking and armed robbery. This development follows a controlled methamphetamine purchase operation involving an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The defendants—Michael Lott, Dianta Tropez, Vernell Woodard, Quindele Addison, Sheena Rudolph, and Coris Addison—were involved in a plan to distribute methamphetamine to an undercover ATF agent on August 29, 2023. According to court records, Woodard coordinated the sale of approximately seven grams of pure methamphetamine at a Westbank apartment.
The following day saw a planned return visit by the agent for another transaction. During this encounter, Lott and Tropez executed an armed robbery using firearms—a Glock pistol and an AR-15 style weapon—to threaten the agent and demand their possessions. The situation escalated when other law enforcement officers monitoring the deal intervened. In attempting to escape via a balcony, the undercover agent fell and sustained severe injuries.
The defendants faced an eleven-count indictment for crimes associated with drug trafficking and armed robbery. Pleas were entered between August 14 and December 5, 2024:
- Sheena Rudolph pleaded guilty on August 14 to methamphetamine conspiracy charges.
- Coris Addison entered his plea on August 29 for similar conspiracy charges.
- Dianta Tropez admitted guilt on September 13 to several charges including conspiring to rob federal funds.
- Michael Lott followed suit on October 2 with identical charges as Tropez.
- Vernell Woodard pleaded guilty on November 22 for his involvement in both drug distribution and robbery.
- Quindele Addison concluded the series of pleas on December 5.
Sentencing dates are set: Rudolph and Coris Addison will face sentencing on January 22, while Tropez, Lott, and Woodard are scheduled for February 18 and 19. Quindele Addison's sentencing is slated for March 26.
Potential penalties vary based on specific charges but include significant prison time ranging from five years up to life imprisonment depending on the count. Fines also reach into millions along with supervised release terms.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming at reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The investigation was conducted primarily by ATF with support from multiple local law enforcement bodies.
Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Nolan Paige are prosecuting this case underlining its significance within PSN's strategic framework against gun violence.