JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — Editor's note: If you believe you are a victim of Jamey Noel, Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel asks you to fill out a victim impact form found here.
Former southern Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel pleaded guilty to 27 of his 31 charges Monday, which could result in a 15-year prison sentence. While both the defense and the prosecution agreed to a plea deal, Judge Larry Medlock said he is still "taking it under advisement" and is yet to approve the deal.
Four charges of ghost employment would be dropped, and Noel would be ordered to pay over $3 million in restitution. The most, $2.87 million, would go to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association (UTVFA), which is the legal name for the fire and EMS operation Jamey Noel began running in the early 2000s.
Judge Larry Medlock said he wants to speak regular Clark County residents and low-to-mid-level employees of Noel's former businesses to hear how they were impacted. He would like to ask them if they believe it's a fair plea deal.
“And I mean not just managers or sheriffs. I want to hear from EMS employees who lost their job," Medlock said.
Medlock instructed anyone who was impacted by Noel's crimes to call 1-812-689-6331 (the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office), give a statement and potentially sign up to speak at an upcoming hearing.
In the hallway after the hearing WHAS11 asked Medlock if he's prepared for 25+ people to sign up, and Medlock said something to the effect of "I'll cross that bridge when I get there."
Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel (of Ripley County) spoke to reporters Monday and said aspects of this case make it difficult to determine a sentence. Some provisions exist in Indiana that don't allow for consecutive sentences.
"It's the state's position this is the upper spectrum of the sentencing range," Hertel said. "I think the top is subject to interpretation. It's not black and white. Some legal scholars may say seven years, some may say 20 years."
Monday was the first time Noel took the witness stand. Hertel seemed a bit shocked at the opportunity to question Noel, and asked him a few very blatant questions.
“You know you don’t have to plead guilty today?" Hertel asked.
“Yes sir," Noel responded.
“And you’re pleading guilty because you committed these crimes?” Hertel asked again.
“Yes," Noel responded again.
Hertel said it's possible there will be more arrests. He also said Noel offering cooperation was not part of the agreement.
If the deal is accepted by the judge, Noel would plead guilty to:
- One count of corrupt business influence.
- Fifteen counts of theft.
- One count of obstruction of justice.
- Four counts of official misconduct.
- Five counts of tax evasion.
- One count of money laundering.
Jamey Noel would pay $2,870,924 to the UTVFA and $61,190.77 to the Clark County Sheriff's Department; and $35,245.60 to ISP for costs related to storing evidence.
Jamey and estranged wife Misty Noel would pay $173,155.07 to the Indiana Department of Revenue.
Jamey would also be subject to a fine to be determined by the court.
There was also a hearing today in the Indiana Attorney General's lawsuits against Noel. UTVFA is trying to intervene in one of these lawsuits to get back money that it alleges was stolen "from us." The Attorney General's office argues instead that these were public funds.
Specially-appointed Judge Roger Duvall said, "I'm inclined to deny your motion, but I'll consider it." Duvall will issue a written ruling in the next few days. He also said Noel admitting guilt in the criminal matter and paying restitution to UTVFA would in essence confirm them as a victim, and that could complicate the civil case.
S. Coy Travis, a spokesperson for UTVFA, said if they get restitution in the criminal case, they may need to reconsider asking for multiple millions in the civil cases. He also said it was a good day for Southern Indiana to see Noel admit guilt.
“I think it was very vindicating to hear that. I think this was a day that a lot of us here in Southern Indiana have been looking forward to hearing," Travis said.
Hertel said the trials for Misty Noel and Kasey Noel, Jamey's estranged wife and daughter, are set to begin Oct. 28. However they will be tried separately if both sides cannot reach an agreement on jury structure.
Misty's trial would begin first because she was arrested first.
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 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 official misconduct.
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.
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 official misconduct. 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.