Derry Borough man receives 2 years' probation for threats, ethnic intimidation at Latrobe bar

A Derry Borough man who authorities said pointed a gun at two men and directed a racial slur at them told a Westmoreland County judge Wednesday that he made a great mistake.

“It’s been quite a burden on my soul,” said Charles Noel, 68.

Noel will spend two years on probation in connection with the Nov. 4 incident at Hotel Loyal on Ligonier Street in Latrobe. Judge Timothy Krieger said he took into consideration that one of the victims told a presentence investigator there was no reason to send Noel to jail.

“That’s a very decent statement for a man to make after these allegations,” Krieger said. “You should be thankful he is that forgiving here.”

Noel pleaded guilty in April to two counts each of ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Surveillance from inside the bar showed Noel approach one of the men from behind, rack the slide on a gun and put the weapon to the back of the man’s head, according to court papers. He pointed it at both men as they retreated.

The pair reported the situation to police nearby and said Noel directed racial slurs at both of them, demanding they leave the bar. Public defender Sarah Reeb said Noel has completed a significant amount of alcohol-related counseling and had never gotten in trouble with the law before. He has been free on $75,000 bail since his arrest and forfeited his firearms.

Noel said he hasn’t had a drink since that night.

Krieger determined a jail sentence wouldn’t be appropriate.

“You go through life not any crime and you had a night of horrendously poor judgment,” he said.