Ex-Clark County, IN, Sheriff Accused of Using Firefighter Funds for Vacations

Andrew Harp

The Evening News and the Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind.

(TNS)

Apr. 3—CLARK COUNTY — Investigators released more information Wednesday about American Express card purchases made by Jamey Noel that Indiana State Police claims were paid with firefighter funds.

The latest warrants are related to travel expenses and cigar purchases allegedly made by Noel.

Indiana State Police in previous affidavits say that Noel, the former Clark County Sheriff facing 25 felony counts, and his wife and daughter, Misty and Kasey Noel, who have also been charged, failed to report more than $3.5 million in income to the state between 2018 and 202. That income included personal purchases using American Express cards issued to Utica Township Volunteer Fire Fighters Association/New Chapel EMS, which Jamey Noel has held leadership positions in and is a founder.

A search warrant affidavit states that a review of the purchases determined that Utica Township Volunteer Fire Fighters Association funds totaling $132,467 were spent on Marriot Vacation Club expenses from 2018 to 2023, and $68,954.48 on Marriott Ownership Resorts Incorporated timeshares from 2018 to 2023.

Along with this, investigators reviewed loan documents and monthly bill statements that apparently stated Jamey and Misty Noel took out a loan for $83,644.06 on Sept. 24, 2019. Billing statements indicate the couple paid around $1,442.39 a month through the American Express card.

Monthly payments for the Marriott Vacation Club were charged to the fire fighters association.

Between timeshare payments, car rentals, Uber, airfare, hotels and other travel expenses, Jamey Noel spent around $327,862.55 from 2018 to 2023, and charged it to the fire fighters association.

A second search warrant affidavit again reviewed the American Express card purchases. That review determined Jamey Noel spent $56,662.37 on cigars and related items at Riverside Cigar Shop and Lounge in Jeffersonville.

On March 1, the affidavit states investigators went to the cigar shop and saw Jamey Noel inside the business. A store associate told them that Jamey Noel was a "frequent customer."

Noel has been ordered to appear in Clark County Circuit Court on April 9 for a show-cause hearing after investigators seized two handguns from his home during a search warrant.

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