Jamey Noel, former sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, and a once-influential figure within the state's Republican party, has been convicted and sentenced to spend 15 years in prison on various felony charges. As reported by FOX59, Noel pleaded guilty last week to more than two dozen charges, including theft, tax evasion, and money laundering, a plea deal has been reached in a corruption case exposing local political issues.
Noel, whose misdeeds while in office tallied up to an eye-watering theft of over 2 million dollars, was not just siphoning off funds for personal indulgence – the scope of his spending included Hooters visits, luxury vehicles, designer clothes, extravagant trips, and even college tuitions. In a statement obtained by Inside Edition, prosecutors laid bare the magnitude of Noel's spending spree, which featured a staggering accumulation of more than 130 custom cars, a train, an airplane, and funneled money towards his mistress's child support.
This case of corruption has resonated throughout Indiana, highlighting the audacious extent of Noel's crimes. According to RawStory, additional charges leveled against the former sheriff include corrupt business influence and official misconduct. The plea deal submitted to the Clark County Circuit Court has Noel agreeing to plead guilty to 27 felony charges, and in return, he would receive a mixed sentence of incarceration and probation.
Special Judge Larry Medlock, presiding over the case, challenged the plea agreement, signaling a desire to ensure justice is served by gauging the gravity of harm wrought by Noel's actions. As he took the plea deal under advisement, Medlock said he wanted to hear from victims directly to determine if the proposed sentence was commensurate with the harms inflicted.
Restitution has been a critical point in this case, with Noel being ordered to pay back more than $3 million—a sum greater than that which he stole—to first responder groups he defrauded.
