JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — New court documents released Monday shed light on thousands of dollars former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel spent on fire department credit cards after his arrest last year, and what he spent it on.
Noel is facing 31 felonies and is currently in jail after a judge upped his bond to $1.5 million in June after the state brought additional charges. A large part of the Indiana State Police investigation, which began in June 2023, focuses on Noel's use of Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association credit cards, which he had his family had unfettered access to during his tenure as CEO.
Six new search warrant affidavits were released Monday by ISP lead investigator Lt. Jeffrey Hearon detailing funds spent after Noel's arrest last November.
American Express charges
According to court documents, Noel charged an additional $37,151.40 on a UTVFA credit card from Nov. 9, 2023, to March 29, 2024. Charges included Cincinnati Reds tickets, Uber rides, Spectrum Cable, SiriusXM radio, dry cleaners, Whistle Express, Kansai Japanese Steak House, Indy Star, Go Daddy, Clark County REMC, Door Dash and Amazon.
Sam's Club Mastercard charges
According to Hearon, Noel spent $15,667.56 on a Sam's Club credit card belonging to UTVFA between Nov. 9, 2023 and March 17, 2024. Charges included Clark County 4H, Sacred Heart Church, Eagle Creek Golf Course in Naples, Florida, Hooters, Krispy Kreme, Waffle House, El Nopal, Star Sushi, Skyline and Meijer.
Other spending
According to documents, Hearon also reviewed spending in April to Allegiant Travel Company. He determined Jamey Noel charged $55,953.69 to the American Express card, his wife Misty spent $3,461.36 and their daughter Kasey charged $738. A timeframe for when these charges were made was not given.
Misty and Kasey are also facing felonies as part of the investigation.
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On July 1, Hearon reviewed American Express charges for Clark County REMC and determined over $2,000 was charged. Current CEO Matt Owen told Hearon the properties listed were not owned by New Chapel or UTVFA.
Hearon stated Jamey charged $2,370.74 in RiverLink tolls to the American Express card over an unspecified amount of time.
According to the search warrants, Jamey spent $29,779.60 on Cincinnati Reds season tickets over a five-year period, and used a UTVFA credit card. Four purchases totaling $3,756 were made after his arrest between Nov. 16 and Feb. 16.
Hearon is also attempting to seize Rolex watches he says Noel paid for with UTVFA funds.
Case background
Jamey Noel is facing 31 felony charges, including counts of theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment, official misconduct and money laundering. The ISP investigation began in June 2023 following allegations that Noel directed jail staff to work on his personal property and run his personal errands while on county time.
Watch the WHAS11 Jamey Noel investigation special
His wife Misty Noel pleaded not guilty to 10 felonies; five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Daughter Kasey Noel pleaded not guilty to nine felonies; five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion.
According to previous court documents, Hearon found millions of dollars of personal purchases made by all three on Utica Township Volunteer Firefighter Association credit cards. He also stated they failed to disclose income on their taxes over a five-year span.
Jamey ran UTVFA for many years until January when he was ousted by the board.
In March, investigators uncovered over $100,000 in tuition and education-related payments were made from the cards by Jamey and Misty. Hearon asked a judge for permission to search Indiana University records regarding Josey and Gracy Noel -- Jamey and Misty's other daughters who are currently enrolled at IU campuses.
In April, ISP said the family spent over $300,000 on vacations using fire department funds without reimbursement. Noel was ordered to serve 60 days in jail on April 9 after a judge found him in contempt of court for having firearms in his home in violation of his bond conditions.
The investigation also uncovered Jamey fathered a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree and made child support payments with UTVFA funds.
Jamey Noel's vast automobile collection has been under scrutiny by investigators since the beginning of the investigation.
According to court documents, 133 vehicles are registered to the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department and New Chapel EMS. A review of those vehicles showed several were "inconsistent" with a not-for-profit fire department and EMS business.
Jamey is accused of orchestrating a vehicle trading and selling scheme where he traded in several cars registered to the UTVFA for vehicles he then registered to himself for personal use. In some cases, he allegedly sold them and pocketed the money.
Court documents released in early March indicated 26 containers of military surplus equipment belonging to the Clark County Sheriff's Office were found on a property in Deputy, Indiana. Hearon alleged Noel sold multiple items belonging to the sheriff's office and sold them for personal gain.
The investigation has also focused on former Scott County Sheriff Kenneth Hughbanks, a friend and associate of Jamey's. Hearon said Hughbanks failed to report over $200,000 in income on his taxes. He has not been charged.
In May, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil lawsuits against the entire Noel family in an effort to recover $4 million in funds the Noels illegally spent.