A former Indiana sheriff has pleaded guilty to more than two dozen counts as part of a plea deal stemming from allegations that he spent millions of dollars from local funds on travel, gifts, cars and other personal expenses.
Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, 53, pleaded guilty Monday to 27 counts including theft, abuse of office, tax evasion and money laundering, the Associated Press reported. He must spend 15 years in prison and pay more than $3 million in restitution as part of his guilty plea.
The agreement would drop four counts of bogus employment alleging that Noel had his employees perform personal work for him on his property.
Special Judge Larry Medlock said Monday he was not opposed to the settlement but needed more time to hear the views of victims of Noel’s alleged crimes before accepting the deal.
Several people electrocuted while swimming in pool: Police
Jamey Noel sits during a court hearing in Clark County Circuit Court in Jeffersonville, Indiana on Monday, August 26, 2024. (AP)
“I want to hear from taxpayers who have been harmed by this individual’s actions,” Medlock said.
Noel remains in the Scott County Jail on $1.5 million bail.
He served two consecutive terms as the elected Republican sheriff of Clark County before leaving office in 2022. Noel also previously served as chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.
Most of the charges Noel pleaded guilty to relate to his time as president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, also known as New Chapel Fire and EMS. Under Noel’s leadership, the company won several public contracts for fire and emergency services in Clark and Floyd counties. His employment was terminated by the association’s board of directors in January.
YOUNG INDIANA MOTHER OF THREE ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY EX-BOYFRIEND WHILE FILMING TIKTOK WITH BOYFRIEND: REPORT
Noel remains in the Scott County Jail on $1.5 million bail. (iStock)
According to the News and Tribune, Noel and his family reportedly spent millions of dollars on personal purchases, including travel, gifts, clothing and cars.
Medlock said in June that Noel used the firefighters association funds as a “personal piggy bank.”
Indiana State Police conducted dozens of searches and discovered payments for vintage cars, college tuition fees and an airplane.
Noel’s wife Misty Noel and daughter Kasey Noel are charged with theft and tax evasion. Both women pleaded not guilty and their court hearings are scheduled for October 28.
Indiana State Police conducted dozens of searches and discovered payments for vintage cars, college tuition fees and an airplane. (iStock)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The settlement in Noel’s case calls for him to pay more than $2.87 million in restitution to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, more than $61,000 to the Sheriff’s Department, more than $173,000 to the Indiana Department of Revenue and his wife, and more than $35,000 to the Indiana State Police for costs associated with evidence preservation.
In addition, Noel would have to pay a fine, the cost of which would be determined by the court.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
