Cherokee County man sentenced to over 24 years in prison for meth trafficking

Keith Ryan Noles

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.c. (WDEF) —  A Cherokee County man will serve over 24 years in prison after being convicted on federal drug and firearm charges.

Keith Ryan Noles was sentenced to 296 months (24 years and 4 months) behind bars and five years of supervised release.

Noles and his co-defendant, Tina Hill were found guilty in March 2024 following a jury trial.

Both were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, and aiding and abetting those crimes.

Noles was also convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), evidence presented at trial revealed law enforcement in Texas intercepted over eight pounds of meth.

Officials determined the shipment was headed for Noles and Hill in North Carolina.

Testimony showed that, between 2020 and 2021, a drug supplier or associate made several trips from Texas to North Carolina.

The supplier delivered methamphetamine to the pair and returned with large amounts of cash.

After intercepting the shipment in Texas, authorities conducted a controlled delivery to the Marble residence.

Noles was arrested after arriving to assist with the handoff.

Hill was arrested later at their residence.