Nov. 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 11

AROUND THE COUNTRY

AROUND THE COUNTRY JEFFERSONVILLE, IN. Ex-Indiana Sheriff Jamey Noel was sentenced to 15 years for 27 counts including theft and obstruction. By Andrew Harp, The Evening News / Tribune JEFFERSONVILLE, IN. — Jamey Noel, the former Clark County Sheriff, will serve 15 years in prison and potentially three years suspended. Special Judge Larry Medlock made a decision on the sentencing as Clark County Circuit Court 4 experienced a near overflow of news reporters and attendees to hear what the sentence would be. Along with prison time, Noel will also pay restitution to the Utica Township Fire Fighters Association for ,870,924; the sheriff’s department for ,190.77; the Indiana Department of Revenue for 3,155.07 with Misty Noel, and the Indiana State Police for the costs associated with the storage of evidence of ,245.60. Judge Medlock also said that Noel will pay 0,000 in court costs. “You tarnished the badge,” Medlock said before announcing the sentence. Arrested and charged in November 2023, dozens of search warrants have been issued by investigators from the Indiana State Police since then. In August, Noel pleaded guilty to 27 felony criminal counts including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt business influence, and obstruction of justice. Noel is accused, among other crimes, of failing to report .5 million in income using credit cards issued to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association between 2018 and 2022. His wife and daughter, Misty and Kasey Noel, have also been charged with this crime. A plea deal was agreed on by Noel’s legal counsel and Special Prosecuting Attorney Richard Hertel. The deal was subsequently put under advisement by Judge Medlock, who said he wanted to hear victim testimonies before deciding on a sentence. Around 20 witnesses spoke on the stand about how they were victimized by Noel’s crimes. This included testimonies of those who believe they lost loved ones due to compromised EMS coverage, family members, former co-workers and Clark County residents in general. Suzanne Davis, who said she has 16 years of EMS experience, described the working conditions at New Chapel EMS when she worked there from 2020 to 2022. 48 The Blues - November ‘24

She said the gear issued to her was unsuitable and didn’t fit and that she was told to work while very sick. “I have put my heart and soul into this profession,” she said. She said she was also asked to work despite finding the body of her dead friend and co-worker while responding to a call. Suzanna Worrall, whose brother-in-law was Red Worrall, spoke about the death of Red. He died on Election Day November 2023 while running for Clarksville Town Council. Suzanna said that it took 27 minutes from the 911 call to when Red arrived at the hospital, which was two miles away. She feels that Jamey Noel’s mismanagement of the company exacerbated his death. “It’s devastating,” she said. Janice Sweet provided a statement about the death of her son, Chris Sweet, who died while in custody at the Clark County Jail when Noel was sheriff. “Your own family has to hold their head above your crimes in this town that they were raised in, and you didn’t even care about them,” she said. “I hope you suffer every day,” she said. A few different local Republicans active in the Clark County GOP talked about Noel’s hold over the party while Ninth District Republican Chair. Martina Webster said she feels Noel used his power to prevent her from winning an election and instilling fear in her when she dissented from Noel’s own goals. Medlock described him at the end of the hearing as a “political fascist.” “He’s a danger to society,” Webster said. Clark County Democratic Party Vice Chair Heidi Sellers said Noel’s sentencing is the potential first of others in the community, referencing Clark County Council member John Miller, and former Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree, who are both charged with official misconduct. “Today is a solemn day for Clark County and Southern Indiana,” it states. Angie Peyton said she works at a business that Noel frequented and described him as a “disgusting pig.” The Blues - November ‘24 49