New York Drug Dealer Got Caught Because He Skipped Out on Bus Fare

A 40-year-old man from Staten Island is facing drug-related charges after allegedly boarding a bus without paying the fare in New Brighton, according to authorities.

Bus Fare Evasion Leads to Drug Arrest

Noel Steidell, a resident of Maple Terrace in New Dorp Beach, was arrested on October 25 at around 2 p.m. near Richmond Terrace and St. Peters Place. The NYPD Bus Enforcement Unit and MTA Eagle Team were conducting investigations at the time, according to a criminal complaint.

Drugs Found in Suspect’s Possession

A special inspector from the Eagle Team reportedly observed Steidell getting onto an S40 bus without paying. During a subsequent search, officers claimed they found narcotics in his right pants pocket, including heroin packaged in 12 glassine envelopes and cocaine hidden in 33 blue plastic bags and seven clear bags.

Steidell now faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and theft of services. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on non-monetary conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 17, according to public records.

Steidell’s attorney, Michael Vitaliano, has declined to comment on the case.

Previous Convictions and Parole

This is not Steidell's first run-in with the law. He has served two prior prison sentences for drug offenses and was convicted of weapons charges in 2020. In November 2019, officers from Narcotics Borough Staten Island conducted a raid on his former apartment in New Brighton, during which they seized a loaded Glock, crack cocaine, buprenorphine, cash, and drug-packaging materials, according to court documents.

Steidell later pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal weapon possession and was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was released on parole in February of this year, according to public records.

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