Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To Over 24 Years

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Keith Ryan Noles, 44, of Marble, N.C., was sentenced yesterday to 296 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Noles and his co-defendant, Tina Hill, 47, also of Marble, were convicted at trial in March 2024, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Noles was also found guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to filed court documents and trial evidence, law enforcement in Texas intercepted more than eight pounds of methamphetamine. Trial evidence showed that law enforcement learned the methamphetamine was intended for Hill and Noles in North Carolina. The jury heard testimony that, between 2020 and 2021, the defendants’ 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. After the drug delivery was intercepted in Texas, law enforcement planned a controlled delivery of the methamphetamine to Hill and Noles as originally planned. Noles was arrested soon after he arrived to assist with the delivery of the methamphetamine to his and Hill’s residence in Marble. Hill was later arrested at the residence.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case as well as 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.