Embattled former Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel to change plea on criminal charges

Former Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel is expected to switch his plea of not guilty in his criminal case Monday, according to a defense motion granted Friday by the Clark County Circuit Court.

Noel faces more than two dozen felony charges, including tax evasion, ghost employment and corrupt business influence, stemming from various accusations of fraud that allegedly occurred while he was in public office and served as the CEO of a local nonprofit.

Since an Indiana State Police investigation began in June 2023, investigators have alleged Noel — who also led the Utica Township Fire Fighters Association and New Chapel EMS — hired county employees to do work for his personal interests, used a business credit card for private purposes and falsified documents to help an officer receive unauthorized pension funds, among other charges.

While Noel initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, a hearing to change his plea is now scheduled to take place at 11 a.m., Monday.

The Indiana State Police also confirmed Friday afternoon that two people - Clarksville Police Officer John Miller and former Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree - have recently been charged in connection with the Noel investigation.

Miller, who also serves as an at-large member of the Clark County Council, has been arrested on one count of official misconduct, ISP Chief Public Information Officer Ronald Galaviz said. Galaviz confirmed Saturday morning that Ferree, who is also charged with official misconduct, has been arrested.

Noel has been in custody in a Scott County, Indiana, jail since April 9. A judge gave him a 60-day sentence for being in contempt of court for violating the terms of a bond issued in November. Before the 60-day period would have expired in June, Judge Larry Medlock raised his bond from $75,000 to $1.5 million.

Noel's estranged wife, who filed for divorce earlier this month , and daughter also face criminal charges in connection with an ongoing Indiana State Police investigation.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Embattled former Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel to change plea on criminal charges