CLARK CO. – Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel is facing more charges in a fraud investigation as he nears the end of a 60-day stay behind bars for contempt of court.
Noel also served as the Republican Congressional Chairman for District 9, Monroe County, and the Clark County Republican Party Chairman. Noel served as Clark County Sheriff from 2015-23 and led New Chapel Fire & EMS and the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department.
According to court records, Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel filed six new charges against Noel on Monday. Those include one felony count of money laundering and five felony counts of theft.
He’s set to be arraigned on the new charges at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The charges are in addition to the two dozen felony charges the former sheriff already faces, including theft, ghost employment, official misconduct, fraud and tax evasion. In total, he now faces 31 charges.
The money laundering charge stems from Noel receiving at least $50,000 as part of criminal activity between June 4, 2019, and August 21, 2023.
The additional theft charges are for lawnmowers, cars, child support, credit card spending, and political donations.
State police said Noel bought five zero-turn lawnmowers from Ben’s Bargain Center in Jeffersonville using Clark County Sheriff’s Department commissary funds. Noel sold two of the lawnmowers to allies Kenny Hughbanks and Donovan Harrod. Both told investigators they were unaware Noel had used sheriff’s department funds.
According to investigators, Noel used New Chapel money to pay for a new heat pump and a new roof at his historic Jeffersonville mansion in the 2400 block of Turnberry. Noel hired Miller HVAC, which had previously installed a new HVAC system at a fire station operated by New Chapel Fire and EMS. Noel altered the invoice to hide where the new fire station system was installed. Noel also used New Chapel funds to pay Kenny Hughbanks to reroof the mansion for $20,208.
Investigators list several vehicles Noel purchases using New Chapel money, including a 1979 Pontiac Trans AM, a 1966 Pontiac GTO, and a 1957 Chevy Belair.
Noel also made $33,121 in political donations to the WinRed fundraising platform using New Chapel funds. Noel listed his name as the contributor, not his previous non-profit. Noel was the Indiana 9th District GOP chairman until he stepped down in January.
Investigators also provided new details about Noel’s financial relationship with former Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree. Noel fathered a child with her and agreed to pay her child support as part of a paternity lawsuit. Investigators said Noel paid $104,971 in child support to Ferree using New Chapel checks and credit card. Investigators say he also sold Ferree a BMW owned by New Chapel for $21,000. He also bought $6,998 worth of diapers, clothing, wipes, and other expenses related to the child. Noel paid Ferree’s business using New Chapel funds. Investigators said Noel deposited $23,000 into New Chapel’s account on August 16, 2023 after state police raided his properties.
Noel also continued spending on the New Chapel credit card after his suspension and arrest. Investigators said he spent $52,818 at steak houses, on Cincinnati Reds tickets, and at Waffle House, among other purchases.
