The Monroe Correctional Complex on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 in Monroe, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

The Monroe Correctional Complex on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 in Monroe, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Marysville man sentenced for high school coach’s overdose

Noah Jones, 24, had 10 months of sobriety under his belt before a fatal overdose in December 2020.

MARYSVILLE — A Marysville man was sentenced to 2½ years in prison and 2½ years on probation for selling fentanyl-laced pills that led to a fatal overdose in 2020.

Jesse Lott, 32, pleaded guilty in October to one count of controlled substance homicide in the death of Noah Jones, 24. The defendant sold counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills to Jones in December 2020, leading to his death six days later.

Lott had no other felony convictions.

On Monday, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge William Steffener handed down a sentence at the midpoint of state guidelines suggesting 4¼ to 5⅔ years — approving what’s known as a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative, or DOSA. It allows Lott to serve half of his sentence out of custody.

Lott’s defense attorney Robert O’Neal and deputy prosecutor Adam Sturdivant did not immediately respond to a reporter’s request for comment Tuesday.

Jones had recently returned to Arlington from substance abuse treatment, according to the charging papers from 2021. He bought from Lott on occasion, but a friend told the defendant to stop selling to Jones when he began recovery.

The day before his overdose, Jones was at a white elephant party with his friend, according to the charges. He asked Jones if he had been using or feeling urges to use. Jones told him no.

Around 7 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2020, Jones took the pills he picked up from Lott earlier that day in his Arlington home, according to charging papers. He told his sister he was going to take a shower.

Eleven minutes later, she called 911 — reporting Jones was unresponsive on the bathroom floor.

Medics transported him to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Jones died the day after Christmas from the overdose, according to the charges.

Toxicology reports found 4.7 nanograms of fentanyl in Jones’ blood, charging papers say. Jones had reportedly been sober for 10 months.

Police took Lott into custody in November 2021, almost a year after Jones’ death.

As of Tuesday, Lott faced another charge of residential burglary for an incident in Lake Stevens in September 2020. A plea hearing was scheduled for later this month.

Jones was born and raised in Arlington, according to an obituary published in The Daily Herald. He was a standout athlete, eventually playing basketball at Everett Community College. Jones was later a coach there and at Arlington High School.

The obituary also described him as loyal and compassionate. He wanted to become a special education teacher.

“Never in a hurry, but always seemingly on the move,” the obituary reads, “Noah managed to live his life in a way that grabbed others attention and attracted positive vibes and brought out the best in those close to him.”

Jonathan Tall contributed to this report.

Maya Tizon: 425-339-3434; maya.tizon@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @mayatizon.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Boeing firefighters union members and supporters hold an informational picket at Airport Road and Kasch Park Road on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Biden weighs in on Boeing lockout of firefighters in Everett, elsewhere

On Thursday, the president expressed support for the firefighters, saying he was “concerned” Boeing had locked them out over the weekend.

Everett officer Curtis Bafus answers an elderly woman’s phone. (Screen shot from @dawid.outdoor's TikTok video)
Everett officer catches phone scammer in the act, goes viral on TikTok

Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said it was unclear when the video with 1.5 million views was taken, saying it could be “years old.”

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

IAM District 751 machinists join the picket line to support Boeing firefighters during their lockout from the company on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Amid lockout, Boeing, union firefighters return to bargaining table

The firefighters and the planemaker held limited negotiations this week: They plan to meet again Monday, but a lockout continues.

Reed Macdonald, magniX CEO. Photo: magniX
Everett-based magniX appoints longtime aerospace exec as new CEO

Reed Macdonald will take the helm at a pivotal time for the company that builds electric motors for airplanes.

A guitarist keeps rhythm during Lovely Color’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Black Lab in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
No matter what music you’re into, Fisherman’s Village has a hook for you

From folk to psychedelic pop to hip-hop, here’s a quick guide to artists you might want to check out in downtown Everett.

Gayle Jones leads a praryer during a ceremony for the healing pole students spent the last year carving along with Tulalip carver James Madison at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
‘A source of healing’: Archbishop Murphy unveils Coast Salish healing pole

“I’m happy to have representation of my culture here at AMHS being one out of 15 Native American students,” said Amaya Hernandez.

A child gets some assistance dancing during Narrow Tarot’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Lucky Dime in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Fisherman’s Village 2024 casts a wide musical net in Everett

From Allen Stone to a local musician showcase at Zamarama Gallery, get ready for it to get loud downtown.

Family and friends of Liliya Guyvoronsky send up white balloons at a vigil held outside her home on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vigil honors woman, 20, allegedly killed by Bothell ex-council member

Dozens gathered in a south Seattle neighborhood to honor Liliya Guyvoronsky. “She was my twin flame,” a friend said.

Brandon Moses pulls down boxes of fireworks for a customer at Monty Hall Fireworks at Boom City on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County bans fireworks sales where setting them off is illegal

The County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to ban sales in a swath of unincorporated south Snohomish County.

An EA-18G Growler taxis down the airstrip on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island during the squadron’s welcome home ceremony in August 2017. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Wood/U.S. Navy)
Navy jet noise could mean long-term health impacts for Whidbey Island

For everyone living in Oak Harbor and Coupeville, the noise was as loud as a rock concert, researchers said.

Everett
Nurse gets 2 years in prison for fatally shooting partner in Everett

Shawntea Grimes Hamilton was on the run for over a month last year after shooting Chris Wilson. Her lawyer argued it was in self-defense.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.