Federal Jury Convicts Two Methamphetamine Traffickers

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal jury in Asheville has convicted Keith Ryan Noles, 42, and Tina Jane Hill, 46, both of Marble, N.C., of trafficking methamphetamine and firearms offenses, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Sheriff Dustin D. Smith of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

According to filed court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, in February 2021, more than eight pounds of methamphetamine was intercepted by law enforcement in Texas. Trial evidence established that law enforcement learned the methamphetamine was intended for Hill and Noles in North Carolina from their source of supply. The jury heard testimony that, between 2020 and 2021, their source of supply or his representative made multiple trips to North Carolina to deliver packages of methamphetamine to Hill and Noles, and to pick up cash payments.

According to trial evidence, after the methamphetamine was intercepted in Texas, law enforcement planned a delivery of the methamphetamine to Hill and Noles as originally planned. Law enforcement arrested Noles soon after he arrived to assist with the delivery of the methamphetamine to his and Hill’s residence in Marble, North Carolina. Law enforcement subsequently arrested Hill at the residence.

The jury found Noles and Hill guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Noles was also convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentencing hearings for Noles and Hill have not been set.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended HSI and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case and thanked the Andrews Police Department and the Graham County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Annabelle Chambers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville are prosecuting the case. Ms. Chambers is a state prosecutor with the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Ashley Welch to serve as SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.  Ms. Chambers is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office.  The SAUSA position helps ensure the effective and vigorous prosecution of federal court cases that impact the counties within the 43rd Prosecutorial District.