A former Indiana sheriff has entered a guilty plea to multiple charges related to the misappropriation of millions in public funds.
Jamey Noel, who previously served as the sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, has admitted to using local funds for personal expenses, including travel, gifts, and vehicles.
According to Fox News, the plea deal encompasses 27 charges, ranging from theft and official misconduct to tax evasion and money laundering. Under the plea agreement submitted on Monday, August 28, 2024, the 53-year-old former sheriff faces up to 15 years in prison and is required to pay more than $3 million in restitution.
Scope Of Charges And Plea Agreement
The charges against Noel primarily stem from his tenure as the president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which operates as New Chapel Fire and EMS. During his leadership, the organization secured several public contracts for fire and emergency medical services in Clark and Floyd counties.
Investigators allege that Noel and his family utilized the association's funds as a personal financial resource, making substantial purchases for their own benefit.
Under the terms of the plea deal, Noel would be required to make restitution payments to multiple entities. The largest sum, exceeding $2.87 million, would go to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association. Additional payments include over $61,000 to the sheriff's department, more than $173,000 to the Indiana Department of Revenue (jointly with his wife), and over $35,000 to the Indiana State Police for evidence storage costs.
Judicial Consideration And Victim Impact
The agreement also involves the dismissal of four counts of ghost employment. These charges alleged that Noel had instructed his employees to perform personal tasks on his property, further blurring the lines between his official duties and personal interests.
While the plea agreement has been presented, it has not yet been formally accepted by the court.
Special Judge Larry Medlock, overseeing the case, expressed a need to hear from those affected by Noel's actions before finalizing the agreement. Judge Medlock stated, "I want to hear from taxpayers that have been aggrieved by the actions of this individual."
Investigation Findings And Family Implications
The investigation into Noel's activities was extensive, involving numerous searches conducted by the Indiana State Police. These efforts uncovered evidence of payments for a range of personal expenses, including classic cars, college tuition, and even an aircraft. The scale of the misappropriation led Judge Medlock to characterize the firefighter association's funds as Noel's "personal piggy bank" during a June hearing.
The case has also implicated Noel's family members. His wife, Misty Noel, and daughter, Kasey Noel, face separate charges of theft and tax evasion. Both have entered not-guilty pleas, with their jury trials scheduled for October 28. The involvement of family members adds another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting a potential pattern of financial misconduct within the household.
Political Career And Current Status
Prior to these legal troubles, Noel had a significant presence in local Republican politics. He served two consecutive terms as the elected Republican sheriff of Clark County, concluding his tenure in 2022. Additionally, he had previously held the position of chairman for the Clark County Republican Party. This background highlights the fall from grace of a once-prominent local political figure.
Currently, Noel remains in custody at the Scott County Jail, held on a substantial $1.5 million bond. This high bond amount reflects the severity of the charges and the potential flight risk associated with the case.
In conclusion, the guilty plea of former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel represents a significant development in a case of public fund misappropriation. The charges span various financial crimes, including theft, official misconduct, and money laundering. The proposed plea deal includes a 15-year prison sentence and over $3 million in restitution payments. While the court has yet to formally accept the agreement, the case has already had far-reaching implications for local governance and public trust in Clark County, Indiana.
