Sentencing hearing begins for former sheriff who stole millions

( NewsNation ) — A judge will hear from victims before deciding whether to accept a plea agreement for a former Indiana sheriff who stole millions to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Former Clark County, Indiana, Sheriff Jamey Noel pleaded guilty to 27 felonies in a plea agreement that would give him a sentence of 12 years in prison followed by three years probation. He would also be required to pay restitution, including nearly $2.9 million to the city of New Chapel and more than $60,000 to the sheriff’s department.

Special Judge Larry Medlock is hearing from victims Monday before deciding whether to accept the plea agreement or send the case to trial.

Noel was charged with 31 felonies for actions taken during his time as sheriff and as head of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters, also know as New Chapel EMS. The charges include tax evasion, theft and money laundering.

Up to 25 people are expected to testify Monday. They are expected to talk about the impacts of the thefts, including delayed ambulances and a lack of manpower and trained police.

Noel served two terms as sheriff from 2015 to 2022, and state police began investigating him after receiving information from the current sheriff of potential criminal activity. More than 70 search warrants were served in the case, and his wife Misty Noel and their daughter Kasey Noel are also facing charges.

Court documents alleged Noel spent millions of dollars on personal purchases for the trio on UTVFA credit cards and did not disclose income on his tax returns.

Prosecutors also say Noel made more than $100,000 in tuition and other education-related payments on the cards for the couple’s two other daughters and spent more than $300,000 on vacations.

The investigation also found that Noel had a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree and made child support payments using UTVFA funds, as well as giving Ferree gifts and travel.

Investigators also focused on Noel’s car collection, with 133 vehicles registered to the UTVFA and New Chapel EMS. Prosecutors say Noel orchestrated a vehicle trading scheme where he traded cars registered to the department for vehicles he registered to himself.

There are also allegations that Noel sold multiple items belonging to the sheriff’s department and kept the money, with 26 containers of military surplus equipment belonging to the department found on a property in Deputy, Indiana.

Initially released on bond, Noel was sentenced to 60 days of jail for violating the terms of his bond and remains in custody. His wife and daughter are both out on bond.

Noel also served as the Republican Party chair for Clark County for more than a decade before stepping down following the investigation.

Noel is also facing multiple civil cases connected to the investigation.

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