ISP investigators are currently searching for any receipts and video evidence that may be connected to Noel and John Miller.
The Indiana State Police are currently investigating former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, with a particular focus on his activities at a luxurious Indianapolis steakhouse.
In a recent development, a probable cause affidavit that came to light on Wednesday reveals that Noel, during the period from 2019 to 2023, made charges amounting to $11,102.26 on the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association credit cards at St. Elmo Steak House. However, it is worth noting that $1,250 of that total was deducted in the form of gift cards.
According to the credit card records, there were a total of 23 visits to the restaurant within that timeframe. The bills incurred during these visits varied, ranging from $25 to well over $1,000.
ISP Lt. Jeffrey Hearon, the lead investigator on the case, is currently gathering all in-store receipts, videos, and billing information related to Noel and John Miller. Recently arrested in connection with the investigation, Miller has pleaded not guilty to one count of felony conflict of interest.
Noel had allegedly given Miller a significant amount of money in the form of gifts, meals, concert tickets, and travel expenses using UTVFA funds. This occurred during the time when Miller was serving as the head of the organization, and he had also voted multiple times to approve funding requests as a Clark County councilman.
In addition to being a Clarksville police officer, Miller faced a suspension last week where he was temporarily without pay.
Miller admitted in court documents that he had received 20-25 complimentary meals from Noel. Additionally, he acknowledged receiving tickets to concerts by George Strait and Kenny Chesney, as well as various Cincinnati Reds games.
During their visits to Indianapolis, Miller and Noel would always dine at St. Elmo. Miller admitted that it was Noel who would foot the bill each time.
Noel pleaded guilty to 27 out of the 31 charges last week. A plea agreement is currently being reviewed by a judge, which could result in Noel being sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Jamey Noel, the individual in question, is currently confronting a total of 31 felony charges. These charges encompass a variety of offenses, such as theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment, official misconduct, and money laundering. The investigation by the ISP commenced in June 2023 after receiving reports alleging that Noel had instructed jail staff to perform tasks related to his personal property and run personal errands during their county work hours.
Misty Noel, the estranged wife of the accused, entered a plea of not guilty to a total of 10 felonies. These charges include five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Kasey Noel, the daughter, entered a plea of not guilty to a total of nine felony charges. These charges include five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion.
In earlier court records, Hearon discovered that all three individuals had made millions of dollars worth of personal purchases using credit cards from the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighter Association. Additionally, he noted that they had failed to report their income on their taxes for a period of five years.
Jamey had been in charge of UTVFA for several years until he was removed from his position by the board in January.
In March, investigators discovered that Jamey and Misty had made over $100,000 in payments for tuition and education-related expenses using the cards. Hearon sought the court’s approval to access Indiana University records in order to investigate Josey and Gracy Noel, Jamey and Misty’s other daughters who are currently attending IU campuses.
In April, ISP revealed that the family had utilized fire department funds for vacations, amounting to over $300,000, with no reimbursement. As a consequence, Noel was sentenced to 60 days in jail on April 9. The judge found him in contempt of court for possessing firearms in his home, which violated his bond conditions.
The investigation revealed that Jamey had fathered a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree. Shockingly, it was discovered that he used UTVFA funds to make child support payments. In a shocking revelation, it was brought to light that Noel had spent a staggering $104,971.51 in department funds on child support from March 2020 to September 2023.
Noel generously bestowed Ferree with gifts and arranged for her travel as well. However, Ferree found herself in legal trouble when she was arrested on August 23. She faced a serious charge of felony conflict of interest but maintained her innocence by pleading not guilty.
Investigators have been scrutinizing Jamey Noel’s extensive car collection since the investigation commenced.
Court documents reveal that the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department and New Chapel EMS have a total of 133 registered vehicles. An examination of these vehicles has highlighted that a number of them do not align with the typical profile of a not-for-profit fire department or EMS business.
Jamey stands accused of masterminding a scheme involving the trading and selling of vehicles. According to the allegations, he traded in multiple cars that were registered to the UTVFA and acquired vehicles that he subsequently registered under his own name for personal purposes. It is further claimed that he also sold some of these vehicles and kept the proceeds for himself.
According to court documents released in early March, it was revealed that 26 containers of military surplus equipment, which belonged to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, were discovered on a property in Deputy, Indiana. Hearon claimed that Noel had sold several items that belonged to the sheriff’s office for his own personal benefit.
The investigation has also honed in on former Scott County Sheriff Kenneth Hughbanks, who is a close friend and associate of Jamey. Hearon reveals that Hughbanks neglected to report more than $200,000 in income on his taxes, although he has yet to be charged.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita took legal action in May by filing civil lawsuits against the entire Noel family. The objective of these lawsuits is to recover the $4 million in funds that the Noels unlawfully spent.
In July, court documents unveiled that Jamey had used thousands of dollars from UTVFA funds to purchase Reds tickets, enjoy golfing trips in Florida, and dine at various restaurants after his arrest. Additionally, another set of documents released by ISP disclosed that Noel had spent $60,000 on travel expenses, both for himself and Ferree, as well as for certain members of his family.
Clarksville police officer and Clark County Councilman John Miller faced legal consequences when he was arrested on August 23. He stands charged with one count of felony conflict of interest. Indiana State Police (ISP) revealed that Miller received numerous perks from Noel, including 20-25 complimentary meals, travel arrangements, and concert tickets. Shockingly, Miller proceeded to vote on various funding requests for New Chapel EMS/UTVFA without disclosing the potential conflict of interest.
He entered a plea of not guilty and was subsequently suspended without pay from his police job on August 30th.
