CLARK COUNTY, Indiana — 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.
The former Clark County sheriff, Jamey Noel, pleaded guilty to 27 of the 31 felonies on Monday. He could face a maximum of 15 years for his crimes.
And one of his former employees thinks he should be behind bars longer than that.
"I don't think it's enough," said Lt. Jordan Boulard, who has worked at New Chapel EMS since September 2021.
Boulard's last day with New Chapel will be Aug. 31 after the department announced a significant downsize. She said Noel's actions impact every aspect of her life.
"I'm a mom of three children," Boulard said. "I need that full time income to support my boys. It affects me on a personal level and it also affects me on a professional level. Wherever I go, New Chapel EMS is going to be on my resume."
Special Judge Larry Medlock has turned to employees, like Boulard, to hear their stories and then make his decision to either accept or deny the plea agreement.
"EMS worker that have lost their jobs, paramedics who are not out there saving people because the money was diverted for pleasures," Medlock said. "I want to hear from people who don't have $800 belts, I want to hear from taxpayers who have been aggrieved by this individual."
Lt. Crystal Blevins is another former employee of Noel and has worked at New Chapel for two years. She told WHAS11 that Noel's action negatively impacted Clark and Floyd County patients.
"The thing that makes me the maddest, we asked for equipment, life saving equipment," Blevins said. "When you have a haul from New Wash to Clark Memorial Hospital, those medications are life and death medications that we were requesting and being told the money's not there. Well, the money's on your belt buckle. That's $800 that could have gone to a life pack."
Both Blevins and Boulard urge other victims of Noel to come forward and share their story.
"The judge understands the gravity of what Jamey did and the far reaching consequences to every citizen that's been affected," Blevins said.
"I hope that people don't fear Jamey Noel," Boulard said. "I hope that people want to stand up for the people of Clark County."
Judge Medlock is asking anyone affected to call the prosecutor's office and ask to testify in court, that number is 812-689-6331.
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.
The Clark County Democratic Party chair, Tom Galligan, issued the following statement after Noel's guilty plea:
“Today, Jamey Noel finally admitted what has become all-too-apparent: He’s guilty of fraud, public corruption, and embezzling millions of dollars.
“However, this isn’t the end of the scandal. With charges still pending against Noel’s wife and daughter, as well as the recent arrest of and felony charges against elected officials John Miller and Brittany Ferree, it is evident that many Noel enablers were involved.
“In fact, they’re complicit in the corruption that has saturated the Clark County Republican Party since Jamey Noel took the helm. From thousands of dollars in campaign donations to personal favors and gifts, numerous individuals, including members of Congress, the state legislature, and Clark County government, all benefited from this public corruption.
“Now they’d like you to forget it ever happened and convince you the party has purged all of its bad apples. Don’t believe it! Noel’s admission of guilt is only the beginning of accountability.
“While this investigation is likely far from over, justice for Clark County citizens won’t be served until all of these officials are removed from office, either through conviction or by the voters. Our party and our candidates will work to reestablish integrity and restore public trust in Clark County government.”
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.
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