JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — An Indiana judge raised bond for Jamey Noel to a whopping $1.5 million Tuesday, saying it needed to be done in an attempt to restore the public's faith in Clark County government.
"You're out flaunting the luxuries, that you allegedly acquired at the expense of taxpayers," Judge Larry Medlock said.
Noel, the former Clark County sheriff, was charged with six additional felony counts Monday -- five counts of theft and one count of money laundering -- bringing the total number of felonies he's facing to 31. His trial is scheduled to begin in November.
Noel pleaded not guilty to the six new charges, as he has to the previous 25.
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Special Judge Larry Medlock admonished Noel again Tuesday before making his ruling on bond.
"With the information in the affidavits filed, it appears you had an airplane, a train that was hidden, stable of cars, haram of women, suits...you still seem to think the Utica Fire Department is your personal piggy bank. All the while individuals are trying to survive, working paycheck-to-paycheck with their own money they worked hard for."
The six new charges filed this week are grounded in evidence that's come out over the last several months, but haven't resulted in new charges. One of the charges, count 31, alleges $53,000 in spending on personal items using Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters credit cards up until March 29. Noel was fully removed from UTVFA in January and the agency previously said Noel was refusing to return the cards.
Zach Stewart took the lead for the defense team Tuesday. He argued the state had not met the burden of proof to either increase or fully revoke Noel's bond.
"If they present substantial evidence that indicates he is of a high risk to not appear for court, or if they present additional evidence related to new charges--and it specifically says DNA evidence-- those are the times when you can increase bail," Stewart said.
Watch the full hearing below:
Stewart also said it was setting a bad precedent to allow the state to file new charges and then ask for a higher bond.
"At this point, any prosecutor in the state of Indiana can file initial charges, wait a little bit, see if they like the court's order on bail...(and then) file new charges," Stewart said.
Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel drew specific attention to count 31, and said along with Noel's previous contempt of court charge, shows he is disrespecting the court.
"The use of these other credit cards is furthering this whole same entitlement, greed, lack of --basically disdain for the court's authority. So, that's what the state believes is key in altering his bond today," Hertel said.
Medlock opened his final remarks by saying, "Mr. Stewart, I want you to know I have the greatest respect for your legal knowledge and your knowledge of procedure. You're an intelligent man." He then said, "I told Mr. Noel not to deceive me, or defy me, he would not like the consequences." Tuesday was the third time Medlock has said those words in court.
As of 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Noel had still not posted his $1.5 million cash bond. He is set to be released from the Scott County jail this weekend, and that could still happen.
Before the arraignment, there was a pretrial hearing in the case where UTVFA lawyer Heather Peters argued they should be allowed to join the criminal case as an intervening party alongside the state. Peters said they have 18 vehicles they would like to either return to their fleet or sell that have been seized by the state.
The parties agreed to push this motion to intervene out for 90 days in the hopes they can reach an agreement by then. Hertel was unwilling to concede that UTVFA had merits to join, because he said the seized property is evidence of criminal activity.
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.
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.
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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.