LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After Jamey Noel admitted guilt to 27 of his 31 felony charges on Monday, a judge asked to hear from those who may have been impacted or affected by Noel’s theft before signing off on a plea agreement.
Judge Larry Medlock said he wants to hear from Clark County residents and low-to-mid-level employees of Noel's former organizations to hear how they were impacted by his actions. Judge Medlock wants to to ask them if they believe term of the deal - which call for Noel to spend 15 years in prison - are adequate.
“The offer is not inconsequential by any means," Judge Medlock said. "And I mean not just managers or sheriffs. I want to hear from EMS employees who lost their job. The paramedics who are not out there saving people because the money was diverted for pleasure. I want to hear from taxpayers who have been aggrieved."
In recent months, New Chapel EMS has lost service contracts, experienced a significant downsizing and may soon cease to exist. Dozens of employees were laid off.
A large portion of the Indiana State Police investigation into Noel, which began in June 2023, focused on Noel and two of his family members racking up millions of dollars in personal charges on Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association/New Chapel EMS credit cards. Court records indicate Noel was responsible for the majority of the charges.
The judge said he will not accept the plea agreement until he hears from real people affected by Noel's actions.
Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel told Judge Medlock anyone who was impacted by Noel's crimes should call his office at 812-689-6331, give a statement and potentially sign up to speak at an upcoming hearing.
Five people, including Noel, have been arrested in this case.
CASE BACKGROUND
Jamey Noel is facing 31 felony charges, including counts of theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment, official misconduct and money laundering. The Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation began in June 2023 following allegations that Noel directed jail staff to work on his personal property and run his personal errands while on county time.
His wife Misty Noel pleaded not guilty to 10 felonies; five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Daughter Kasey Noel pleaded not guilty to nine felonies; five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion.
According to previous court documents, Hearon found millions of dollars of personal purchases made by all three on Utica Township Volunteer Firefighter Association credit cards. He also stated they failed to disclose income on their taxes over a five-year span.
Jamey ran UTVFA for many years until January when he was ousted by the board.
In March, investigators uncovered over $100,000 in tuition and education-related payments were made from the cards by Jamey and Misty. Hearon asked a judge for permission to search Indiana University records regarding Josey and Gracy Noel -- Jamey and Misty's other daughters who are currently enrolled at IU campuses.
In April, ISP said the family spent over $300,000 on vacations using fire department funds without reimbursement. Noel was ordered to serve 60 days in jail on April 9 after a judge found him in contempt of court for having firearms in his home in violation of his bond conditions.
The investigation also uncovered Jamey fathered a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree and made child support payments with UTVFA funds. In July, it was revealed Noel spent $104,971.51 in department funds on child support between March 2020 and September 2023.
Noel also provided Ferree with gifts and travel. Ferree was arrested Aug. 23 and charged with felony conflict of interest.
Jamey Noel's vast automobile collection has been under scrutiny by investigators since the beginning of the investigation.
According to court documents, 133 vehicles are registered to the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department and New Chapel EMS. A review of those vehicles showed several were "inconsistent" with a not-for-profit fire department and EMS business.
Many were seized by ISP.
Jamey is accused of orchestrating a vehicle trading and selling scheme where he traded in several cars registered to the UTVFA for vehicles he then registered to himself for personal use. In some cases, he allegedly sold them and pocketed the money.
Court documents released in early March indicated 26 containers of military surplus equipment belonging to the Clark County Sheriff's Office were found on a property in Deputy, Indiana. Hearon alleged Noel sold multiple items belonging to the sheriff's office and sold them for personal gain.
The investigation has also focused on former Scott County Sheriff Kenneth Hughbanks, a friend and associate of Jamey's. Hearon said Hughbanks failed to report over $200,000 in income on his taxes. He has not been charged.
In May, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil lawsuits against the entire Noel family in an effort to recover $4 million in funds the Noels illegally spent.
In July, court documents revealed Jamey spent thousands in UTVFA funds on Reds ticket, golf in Florida and restaurants post-arrest. Another round of documents released by ISP showed Noel spent $60,000 on travel for himself and Ferree, and for members of his family.
Clarksville police officer and Clark County Councilman John Miller was also arrested Aug. 23 and charged with one count of felony conflict of interest. According to ISP, Noel provided him with 20-25 free meals and concert tickets, and Miller voted on several New Chapel EMS/UTVFA funding requests without disclosing a possible conflict of interest.