A former southern Indiana sheriff faces 25 felony charges after allegedly spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on luxury purchases, including vacations, vehicles and cigarettes.
Jamey Noel, 52, along with his wife, Misty, 50, and daughter, Kasey Noel, 27, are charged with a series of felonies for spending up to $5 million on credit cards they Jamey had opened in the name of voluntary arson. agency he headed, authorities said.
The specific expenses allegedly incurred by various members of the Noel family are almost too numerous to count, but include $56,000 on luxury cigars, more than $300,000 on vacations and trips, $25,000 on a small plane, as well as cosmetic procedures, tanning, clothing, and vaping products.
The figures were included in recently unsealed search warrants for the family’s homes and cars.
Sheriff Noel became a local face in town when he appeared on Season 1 of the A&E show ’60 Days In,’ in which the Clark County Jail critically examined its policies and treatment of inmates after The volunteers were imprisoned undercover as prisoners for 60 days.
The Clark County Jail returned to national headlines four years later, when more than 20 inmates alleged in federal court that they had been attacked, harassed and sexually assaulted after a deputy, David Lowe, sold the key to the women’s wing. for $1,000 to male inmates. . That led to lawsuits implicating Noel in the attacks.
Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, 52, has been charged with 25 felonies related to massive fraud allegations.
Noel (center) and his wife Misty (center right) have been accused, as well as one of their three daughters, Kasey (left), of stealing millions of dollars in taxpayer funds.
All three family members have pleaded not guilty. Each of them also posted cash bail worth tens of thousands. A special judge and a special prosecutor have been appointed to the case.
In court documents, prosecutors alleged that the family refused to cooperate with investigators. About 50 search warrants have also been executed throughout the massive investigation, including searches of multiple homes and the family’s cars.
Jamey Noel has lived in Clark County, Indiana, his entire life, according to Inside edition. He served as a state trooper for 22 years before becoming sheriff in 2015.
He also led the county Republican Party, as well as the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association.
However, his life of public service began to crumble around him last year, when Indiana State Police investigators began seriously probing his finances.
Charges continue against former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, whose case will be tried later this year.
The specific expenses allegedly incurred by various members of the Noel family are almost too numerous to count, but include $56,000 on luxury cigars, more than $300,000 on vacations and trips, $25,000 on a small plane, as well as cosmetic procedures, tanning, clothing, and vaping products. Misty Noel (left) and Kasey (right) have also been arrested.
Court documents also allege that Noel at some point had an affair, during which he impregnated Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree, who gave birth to his son (pictured with his wife Misty).
Ferree (center) appears in a photo with Jamey Noel. Prosecutors allege that Jamey Noel used Volunteer Firefighters Association funds to pay court-ordered child support for her children.
Jamey and Misty allegedly charged nearly $200,000 in tuition and college expenses for two of their daughters to credit cards taken out in the name of the fire agency; Here is a document detailing vacation expenses.
Noel also allegedly purchased more than 100 luxury cars with public funds and sold them for personal profit.
The sheriff is accused of spending lavishly, including purchasing more than 100 luxury cars with public funds and selling them for personal gain.
Additionally, he is accused of using his former assistants as personal errand boys and maintenance staff on his private properties during work hours.
Court documents also allege that Jamey Noel, at some point, had an affair during which he impregnated Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree, who gave birth to his son.
Prosecutors allege Jamey Noel used Volunteer Firefighters Association funds to pay court-ordered child support.
Jamey and Misty also allegedly charged nearly $200,000 in tuition and college expenses for two of their daughters to credit cards taken out in the name of the fire agency.
The couple has three daughters, although Kasey has been the only one charged by the state.
In March, authorities seized 26 containers filled with $7 million of missing military surplus equipment, which state police believe belonged to the sheriff’s department and that Noel hid during his time in office.
Misty and Kasey (pictured) have been charged with multiple counts of theft and tax evasion.
Neither Noel has commented on the pending court proceedings.
Some of the other items seized during authorities’ searches of Noel’s properties were thousands and thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing, including Tom James suits and Ferragamo shoes paid for with the nonprofit’s credit cards. of profit against fires.
In March, authorities also seized 26 shipping containers filled with $7 million of missing military surplus equipment, which state police believe belonged to the sheriff’s department and that Noel hid during his time in office.
Authorities say they continue to examine equipment, including a train engine and vehicles, in an effort to determine how it was used.
Jamey Noel’s case will go to trial later this year.