JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — The marriage between former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel and Misty Noel appears headed for divorce as both prepare for trial on numerous felony charges.
According to online court records, Misty filed a petition for a dissolution of marriage Thursday in Clark County Superior Court. Records indicate Misty filed the petition and Jamey is listed as the respondent.
The petition states "the marriage has suffered an irretrievable breakdown and should be dissolved." Jamey and Misty were married June 13, 1996, according to the petition.
Indiana State Police began investigating Jamey in June 2023. He is currently in jail after being found in contempt of court and having his bond raised to $1.5 million.
Jamey pleaded not guilty to 31 felonies, including multiple counts of theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment and money laundering. His trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 6.
Misty pleaded not guilty to 10 felonies: five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Their daughter Kasey Noel is facing nine felonies and pleaded not guilty.
Also Thursday, Misty and Kasey filed motions to join their cases together. Kasey's attorney filed a "motion to join cases," and Misty's attorney filed a motion specifically asking to join with Kasey's criminal case. No motions to join were filed in Jamey Noel's criminal case.
RELATED: Documents: Jamey Noel spent over $60,000 in UTVFA funds on flights for family and his mistress
Clark County Court Administrator Tom Lowe said over the phone that he was checking with Clark County judges to see if they would recuse jurisdiction in the divorce proceedings.
Kasey Noel also filed a motion for continuance Thursday, likely looking to push back her trial date, which is set for Aug. 20. Misty Noel already had her continuance granted, and is scheduled to have her trial begin Oct. 28.
However, that could change if the motion to join the cases is granted.
The ISP investigation has largely focused on how all three used credit cards belonging to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which Jamey ran for two decades. Investigators say they racked up almost $4 million in charges on personal items and travel.
The investigation also uncovered Jamey had at least one extramarital affair and fathered a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree. Investigators say Jamey spent $104,000 in UTVFA funds on child support.
ISP has also said Jamey had a "yearslong" relationship with former Clark County Chief Deputy Auditor Jessica Huffman and gave her gifts.
CASE BACKGROUND
Jamey Noel is facing 31 felony charges, including counts of theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment, official misconduct and money laundering. The ISP investigation began in June 2023 following allegations that Noel directed jail staff to work on his personal property and run his personal errands while on county time.
His wife Misty Noel pleaded not guilty to 10 felonies; five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Daughter Kasey Noel pleaded not guilty to nine felonies; five counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion.
According to previous court documents, Hearon found millions of dollars of personal purchases made by all three on Utica Township Volunteer Firefighter Association credit cards. He also stated they failed to disclose income on their taxes over a five-year span.
Jamey ran UTVFA for many years until January when he was ousted by the board.
In March, investigators uncovered over $100,000 in tuition and education-related payments were made from the cards by Jamey and Misty. Hearon asked a judge for permission to search Indiana University records regarding Josey and Gracy Noel -- Jamey and Misty's other daughters who are currently enrolled at IU campuses.
In April, ISP said the family spent over $300,000 on vacations using fire department funds without reimbursement. Noel was ordered to serve 60 days in jail on April 9 after a judge found him in contempt of court for having firearms in his home in violation of his bond conditions.
The investigation also uncovered Jamey fathered a child with former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree and made child support payments with UTVFA funds. In July, it was revealed Noel spent $104,971.51 in department funds on child support between March 2020 and September 2023.
Jamey Noel's vast automobile collection has been under scrutiny by investigators since the beginning of the investigation.
According to court documents, 133 vehicles are registered to the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department and New Chapel EMS. A review of those vehicles showed several were "inconsistent" with a not-for-profit fire department and EMS business.
Jamey is accused of orchestrating a vehicle trading and selling scheme where he traded in several cars registered to the UTVFA for vehicles he then registered to himself for personal use. In some cases, he allegedly sold them and pocketed the money.
Court documents released in early March indicated 26 containers of military surplus equipment belonging to the Clark County Sheriff's Office were found on a property in Deputy, Indiana. Hearon alleged Noel sold multiple items belonging to the sheriff's office and sold them for personal gain.
The investigation has also focused on former Scott County Sheriff Kenneth Hughbanks, a friend and associate of Jamey's. Hearon said Hughbanks failed to report over $200,000 in income on his taxes. He has not been charged.
In May, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil lawsuits against the entire Noel family in an effort to recover $4 million in funds the Noels illegally spent.
In July, court documents revealed Jamey spent thousands in UTVFA funds on Reds ticket, golf in Florida and restaurants post-arrest. Another round of documents released by ISP showed Noel spent $60,000 on travel for himself and Ferree, and for members of his family.
