A Pontotoc man was sentenced on Apr. 6 to more than 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal kidnapping charges, according to court documents.
The case concerns the safety of local communities and highlights law enforcement’s response across multiple states. Authorities say Luis Carlos Noyola, age 50, abducted a female victim from Cherokee, Alabama on or about April 19, 2025. He then forced her to travel against her will through Corinth, Mississippi and into McNairy County, Tennessee. The victim escaped in Tennessee before Noyola fled back to Corinth where he was arrested.
During the incident, Noyola physically assaulted the victim multiple times causing bodily injury. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Noyola to 175 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. After sentencing, he was remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said: “We live in a wonderful place but understand, it is still a dangerous world. In this case, a man kidnapped an older lady and took her across state lines. State and local law enforcement responded immediately, and the subject was ultimately arrested in Corinth, Mississippi. In such situations an aggressive response by law enforcement is not only required, it is laudable. Excellent work by the Corinth Police Department; the Cherokee, Alabama, Police Department; the Colbert County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office; and the McNairy County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; and the FBI. Stay safe!”
Landon Tucker of the Corinth Police Department said: “The Corinth Police Department would like to thank the FBI, the Cherokee (Alabama) Police Department, the Colbert County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office, and the McNairy County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office. This successful outcome was made possible by the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff from FBI Jackson Field Office said: “Noyola’s victim endured profound trauma that will have lasting effects for the remainder of her life… Kidnapping reflects a blatant disregard for human life personal safety and rule of law… The FBI… remains steadfast in its commitment to aggressively pursuing violent offenders and upholding justice within our communities.”
The investigation included participation from several agencies including local police departments across three states as well as federal authorities.
