Siarres R. Noble, Fentanyl Distribution, Elyria OH, 2023

ELYRIA, OH – Siarres R. Noble, 29, of Elyria, is facing federal charges after being indicted on six counts related to the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, including a fatal overdose. The indictment, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges Noble supplied the fentanyl that led to the death of an Elyria resident on November 9, 2013.

Noble is charged with two counts of distribution of heroin and four counts of distribution of fentanyl. Crucially, the indictment specifies that the fentanyl distributed on November 8, 2013, directly resulted in the death of the victim the following day. U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach didn’t mince words: “The poison sold by this defendant directly led to the death of a woman,” he stated. “Heroin and fentanyl use leads to death, destroys lives and damages families. We will continue doing all we can to turn the tide on this epidemic.”

The investigation, a joint effort between the Elyria Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, highlights the escalating crisis of opioid-related deaths plaguing communities nationwide. Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office, stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach. “Information about heroin and other dangerous illegal drugs has become too common place in our daily news reports,” Anthony said. “The partnership between law enforcement, social services and the community must continue in order to further attempts to rid our territory of these highly addictive substances.”

Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the severity of the drug problem. “There is a serious drug problem in this country and it is important that law enforcement at every level take the steps necessary to combat the sales of illegal drugs,” Whitely stated. “Sadly, in this case, the sale of drugs led to someone’s death. The weapon used may not have been a gun, but it is just as deadly.” Whitely lauded the collaborative effort of multiple agencies, including the Lorain County Prosecutor’s office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s office, which ultimately led to the federal indictment of Noble.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert F. Corts, Vasile C. Katsaros, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Tomaro presented the case for indictment. While an indictment represents a significant step, authorities are quick to point out it’s merely an accusation. Noble is entitled to a fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Noble’s sentencing will be determined by the court, considering factors such as his criminal history and role in the offense.

The statutory maximum sentence remains undetermined and will be decided after a full review of the case. However, authorities emphasized that the sentence could be less than the maximum. This case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl and heroin distribution, and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to dismantle these networks and hold those responsible accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.