Sentencing hearing begins for former sheriff who stole millions

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

Former Clark County, Indiana, Sheriff Jamey Noel pleaded guilty to 27 felony counts in a plea agreement that called for a sentence of 12 years in prison followed by three years of probation. He would also have 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 will hear from the victims on Monday before deciding whether to accept the plea agreement or send the case to trial.

Delphi Murders: Timeline of Events in the Richard Allen Case

Noel was charged with 31 felony counts for actions committed during his time as sheriff and as chief of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters, also known as New Chapel EMS. The allegations include tax evasion, theft and money laundering.

Up to 25 people are expected to testify on Monday. They are expected to speak about the impact 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 about possible criminal activity. More than 70 search warrants have been served in the case, and charges are also being filed against his wife, Misty Noel, and their daughter, Kasey Noel.

Court documents alleged Noel spent millions of dollars on personal purchases for the trio using UTVFA credit cards and failed to report income on his tax returns.

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

The investigation also revealed that Noel had a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree and used UTVFA funds to pay child support and to give Ferree gifts and trips.

Investigators also focused on Noel's car collection of 133 vehicles registered with the UTVFA and New Chapel EMS. Prosecutors say Noel set up a vehicle trading scheme in which he traded cars registered to the agency for vehicles he had registered himself.

Police: Men pretending to be utility workers enter Michigan home, kill owner

There are also allegations that Noel sold several Sheriff's Department items and kept the money. Twenty-six containers of the department's surplus military equipment were found at a property in Deputy, Indiana.

Noel was initially released on bail, but was sentenced to 60 days in jail for violating the conditions of his bail and remains in custody. His wife and daughter are both out on bail.

Noel also served as chairman of the Republican Party for Clark County for more than a decade before resigning following the investigation.

Noel also faces several civil lawsuits related to the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Find the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos at NewsNation.