Chattanooga Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl in Catoosa County

On September 29, 2025, a Catoosa County jury convicted 35-year-old Ladarius Nollie of Chattanooga of trafficking fentanyl in Catoosa County. The one-day trial was held before Chief Superior Court Judge Brian House.

The case began on January 8, 2025, when Catoosa County Detectives Zach Roden and Chris Lyons responded to an anonymous tip about Nollie staying at the Econo Lodge motel in Fort Oglethorpe. Detectives were also aware that Nollie had active warrants through Walker and Hamilton Counties. Upon entering the motel room to serve the warrants, officers found Nollie with two women, a mother and her adult daughter.

During the arrest, detectives observed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in plain view. A further search uncovered a large bag of powdered fentanyl weighing just under 10 grams hidden under the mattress. Evidence presented at trial showed that Nollie had rented the room and brought the drugs himself. Testimony also revealed that Nollie had provided narcotics to the women in exchange for sexual acts. Video evidence showed Nollie attempting to hide the drugs, remarking, “they ain’t going to find it.”

The trial was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocate Ashley Nicholson and District Attorney’s Investigator Christy Smith. Detectives Roden and Lyons conducted the investigation. After deliberating, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Judge House immediately sentenced Nollie to five years in prison followed by 25 years of probation.

Catoosa County District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller praised the efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team, emphasizing the danger posed by fentanyl and the exploitation of vulnerable women. “This verdict was delivered because of the strength and dedication of our law enforcement and our trial team,” said Fuller. “The defendant not only trafficked poison into our community, he preyed on vulnerable women. Those who bring fentanyl into Catoosa County will face serious consequences.”