JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — An expert witness in coercive control will testify to Jamey Noel's "manipulation" of his family, an attorney revealed Tuesday in court.
Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, his wife Misty Noel, and one of their daughters Kasey Noel, are all facing numerous felonies in an investigation that started over a year ago. However it appears Misty - who filed for divorce last week - and Kasey are banding together against Jamey.
Kasey's attorney, Sunnye Bush-Sawtelle said in a hearing Tuesday in Clark County Circuit Court that Jamey's extended stay in jail changed the dynamic of the case against Kasey and Misty.
"Since then as both Kasey and her mother, and Kasey's sisters, [have been] away from Jamey's presence and physical control, a much clearer picture of the control, manipulation and relationship he had with his family has emerged," Bush-Sawtelle said.
She filed a motion last week to allow Lisa Fontes to testify. According to Fontes' website, she holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Massachusetts, and is an expert witness in legal cases related to "intimate partner abuse (or coercive control), trauma and child abuse."
Special Judge Larry Medlock granted a request to delay Kasey's trial—originally scheduled for August 20—after Bush-Sawtelle filed a motion for continuance. A new date has not been scheduled.
"I'm asking for a continuance so Dr. Fontes has time to look at the evidence, to look at the types of communication Jamey had with his daughters and his wife," Bush-Sawtelle said. "And to look at the ways he controlled and manipulated them, and what their life was like."
Bush-Sawtelle is also reviewing hours of phone calls made by Jamey from jail. She said she recently received 250 emails containing three phone calls each, and those calls could be the "most important pieces" of evidence Fontes reviews.
Jamey is in Scott County Jail on a contempt of court charge. He was set to be released in June, but Judge Medlock upped his bond to $1.5 million after new charges were filed.
Kasey is facing five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion — all felonies. She pleaded not guilty.
Misty is facing five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion — all felonies. She pleaded not guilty.
Misty's trial is scheduled to start Oct. 28. Jamey's trial is set for Nov. 6.
On Aug. 1, Misty filed for divorce from Jamey, citing an "irretrievable breakdown" in the marriage, according to court records. The same day, Kasey and Misty filed motions to join their criminal cases together.
Judge Medlock is also taking that request under advisement, with a decision expected next Tuesday.
Kasey and Misty Noel also requested their bond be relaxed so they could travel to Louisville for medical appointments. Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel thought it was unwise, and reinforced how bond was meant to be restrictive. He's unsure if more criminal charges can be brought against Misty and Kasey, but the prosecutor is looking into it. "There are enough layers here that there are things that have been hidden by the defendants that the state has not uncovered at this point in time," he said, "and there may be still some uncovering."
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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.
Misty filed for divorce Aug. 1.
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.
While in jail, his bond was increased to $1.5 million after he was charged with additional felonies. He remains at the Scott County Jail.
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.
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.