As part of the deal, the former Indiana sheriff pleaded guilty to more than 20 charges alleging he spent millions of dollars from local funds on travel, gifts, cars and other personal expenses.
Former Clark County Sheriff Jamie Noel, 53, pleaded guilty Monday to 27 charges, including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion and money laundering. Associated Press He faces 15 years in prison and more than $3 million in restitution under the plea agreement, according to reports.
The agreement will dismiss four counts of ghost hiring that alleges Noel had employees perform personal chores on his property.
Special Judge Larry Medlock said Monday that he is not opposed to the plea agreement but needs more time to hear from victims of Noel's alleged crimes before accepting the agreement.
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Jamie Noel sits in court on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Clark County Circuit Court in Jeffersonville, Indiana. (Associated Press)
“I want to hear from taxpayers who have been harmed by this individual's actions,” Medlock said.
Noel remains in the Scott County Jail on $1.5 million bail.
He served two consecutive terms as Clark County's elected Republican sheriff until retiring in 2022. Noel also previously served as chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.
Most of the charges to which Noel pleaded guilty relate to his time as president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which also does business as New Chapel Fire & EMS. Under Noel, the company won several public contracts for fire and EMS services in Clark and Floyd counties. The association's board of directors terminated his employment in January.
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Noel remains in the Scott County Jail on $1.5 million bail. (iStock)
Noel and his family allegedly spent millions of dollars on personal purchases, including trips, gifts, clothes and cars. News and Tribunes.
Medlock said in June that Noel had been using firefighters association funds as a “personal piggy bank.”
Indiana State Police have conducted dozens of searches, uncovering payments for classic cars, college tuition fees and airplanes.
Noel's wife, Misty Noel, and daughter, Casey Noel, have been indicted on separate charges of theft and tax evasion. Both have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for jury trial on October 28.
Indiana State Police have conducted dozens of searches, uncovering payments for classic cars, college tuition fees and airplanes. (iStock)
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Noel's plea agreement in the case requires him to pay more than $2.87 million in restitution to the Utica Township Fire Department, more than $61,000 to the sheriff's department, more than $173,000 to the Indiana Department of Taxation and more than $35,000 to the Indiana State Police for costs associated with preserving evidence, along with his wife.
Noel will also be required to pay a fine, the amount of which will be determined by the court.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
