Lima man with history of drug, alcohol abuse spared prison
Aug. 26—LIMA — A Lima man with an admitted history of drug and alcohol abuse and opioid addiction was sentenced Monday to complete programming at Allen County's WORTH Center.
Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Terri Kohlrieser sentenced Brady Noble, 27, to three years on probation in addition to the treatment center requirements.
Noble was indicted in June on three counts of possession of cocaine, felonies of the fourth- and fifth-degree, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities. a second-degree felony.
The indictment alleges he was found March 26 in the possession of more than five grams but less than 10 grams of a substance containing cocaine. Noble is also alleged to have been employed by a crime enterprise and participated in a pattern of corrupt activity.
He pleaded guilty the following month to a fourth-degree felony count of possession of cocaine and an amended count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of corrupt activity, a third-degree felony, as part of a deal with prosecutors.
Defense attorney Kenneth Rexford recommended the WORTH Center program for his client, and Noble agreed, telling the judge he believes the facility "would get me on the right track to clear drugs out of my life and help me learn how to live again."
The state of Ohio had agreed to remain silent at the time of sentencing. Chief Assistant Allen County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Thines said Monday only that it was learned by investigators that Noble was "a (drug) user who was selling to support his habit."
Kohlrieser ordered Noble to be returned to the Allen County jail as he awaits bed space at the WORTH Center. He is also to be evaluated for inclusion in one of the court's three specialized dockets.
If he fails to complete programming ordered by the court, Noble is subject to a prison term of up to 54 months.