Former Indiana sheriff pleads guilty to spending local funds on travel and gifts

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A former southern Indiana sheriff has pleaded guilty to more than two dozen counts accusing him of spending millions of dollars from local funds on travel, gifts, cars and other personal expenses.

Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel pleaded guilty Monday to 27 counts, including theft, abuse of office, tax evasion and money laundering. Noel’s plea requires him to pay more than $3 million in restitution and serve 15 years in prison.

As part of his guilty plea, four counts of fictitious employment, alleging that Noel had his employees perform personal work for him on his property, would be dropped. His trial in court was scheduled to begin on November 6.

Special Judge Larry Medlock said Monday he had no objection to Noel’s confession but needed more time to hear the views of victims of Noel’s alleged crimes before accepting his guilty plea.

“I want to hear from the taxpayers who have been harmed by this individual’s actions,” the judge said.

Noel, 53, is being held in the Scott County Jail on $1.5 million bail. A telephone request for comment from Noel’s attorney on his guilty pleas was not immediately returned.

Noel served two consecutive terms as the elected Republican sheriff of Clark County, leaving office in 2022 in Ohio River County, which is located north of Louisville, Kentucky. He also previously served as chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.

Most of the charges Noel pleaded guilty to stem from his time as president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which also does business as New Chapel Fire/EMS. During Noel’s tenure, the company won several public contracts for fire and emergency medical services in Clark and Floyd counties. The association’s board of directors terminated Noel’s employment in January.

Noel and his family are accused of spending millions of dollars on personal purchases, including travel, gifts, clothing and cars, the News and Tribune reported. Medlock said in June that Noel used the firefighters association funds as a “personal piggy bank.”

Indiana State Police conducted dozens of searches and uncovered questionable payments for vintage cars, college tuition and an airplane.

Noel’s wife, Misty Noel, and daughter, Kasey Noel, are charged with theft and tax evasion. They have both pleaded not guilty and their court hearings are scheduled for October 28.

Noel’s agreement 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, Misty Noel, and more than $35,000 to the Indiana State Police for costs associated with evidence preservation.

Noel would also have to pay a fine and costs determined by the court.