JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — An end could be in sight for the criminal cases against Misty Noel, the estranged wife of embattled former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, and their daughter Kasey Noel.
Misty appeared in Clark County Circuit Court Monday for a pretrial hearing. Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel told Special Judge Larry Medlock he has had conversations with Misty's attorney, Bart McMahon, regarding a plea deal, but the two sides have not been able to come to a firm agreement on terms.
"We have been in negotiation for quite a period of time. We don't have a resolution at this point in time," Hertel said.
Monday was the first time it came out that either Misty or Kasey was considering a plea deal. The two have so far pleaded not guilty, and had made a big effort to try and join their cases together before trial.
Hertel and McMahon agreed to continue working towards a deal. Judge Medlock asked for an update next Monday.
Nineteen victims of Jamey's alleged crimes are scheduled to speak that day. Medlock asked for those victim statements before ruling on a plea deal in Jamey's case that would send him to prison for 15 years.
Medlock said those victim statements will impact his decision to accept Misty's possible plea deal as well.
"I know there's victims that are coming in next Monday, and that will have a big impact on whether or not I'm willing to accept whatever deal you guys enter into," Medlock said.
Misty is facing five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion -- all felonies. Misty filed for divorce from Jamey on Aug. 1.
Daughter Kasey Noel is facing five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion. Kasey's attorney Sunnye Bush-Sawtelle previewed an expert witness in childhood trauma and said Jamey Noel "manipulated" Misty and Kasey during a court hearing on Aug. 6.
Bush-Sawtelle told WHAS11 after the hearing she is exploring "potential resolutions" for her client as well.
Jamey is accused of spending millions of dollars on himself, family and friends using Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association credit cards. He ran the organization for roughly 20 years.
Misty is accused of spending $660,000 and Kasey is accused of spending $108,000.
If Jamey's plea deal is accepted by the judge, he would plead guilty to:
- One count of corrupt business influence.
- Fifteen counts of theft.
- One count of obstruction of justice.
- Four counts of official misconduct.
- Five counts of tax evasion.
- One count of money laundering.
Jamey would also pay $2,870,924 in restitution to the UTVFA and $61,190.77 to the Clark County Sheriff's Department; and $35,245.60 to ISP for costs related to storing evidence.
Jamey and Misty would pay $173,155.07 to the Indiana Department of Revenue. Jamey would also be subject to a fine to be determined by the court.
As of now, Misty's trial is set to begin Oct. 28, and Kasey's would begin after Misty's concludes.