New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Crimes
A federal judge sentenced Robert Polk to 80 months in prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Drug Crime
Robert Polk, 23, received an 80-month prison sentence following his conviction on multiple drug-trafficking and firearms charges in New Orleans. The sentence also includes five years of supervised release and a $400 mandatory assessment fee.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows a federal investigation into Polk, who was found in possession of narcotics and stolen weapons. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the intersection of illegal drug distribution and firearm offenses.
Judge Wendy B. Vitter ordered an 80-month prison term and five years of supervised release. Polk is also responsible for a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
The players
Robert Polk
The 23-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and multiple firearms-related offenses.
Wendy B. Vitter
A United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana who presided over the sentencing.
The details
Polk pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm. Law enforcement officers arrested him at a New Orleans tire shop in 2024 and later recovered a stolen Glock pistol during a residential search.
Timeline
Polk began selling drugs in 2024.
Police arrested Polk on May 20, 2024.
Polk stole a Glock pistol on December 11, 2025.
Law enforcement searched his home on December 30, 2025.
Judge Vitter sentenced Polk on September 24, 2026.
Legal Context
Federal sentencing in New Orleans continues to reflect a strict adherence to federal sentencing guidelines for drug-trafficking and firearms offenses. This case underscores the rigorous legal consequences for recidivist offenders who commit multiple felony violations across state lines.
The resolution of this case removes a repeat felon from the local community and addresses the presence of stolen weapons on neighborhood streets. Residents can expect continued federal and local agency focus on intercepting illegal narcotics and firearms throughout the area.
The takeaway
This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the long-term legal consequences for combining drug distribution with illegal firearm possession. Individuals with prior felony convictions face significantly increased penalties under federal law for subsequent criminal conduct.
Further reading
Learn more about local enforcement efforts in the New Orleans Drug Crime section.
