JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — The Indiana State Police investigation into former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel now includes a text message chain and apparent relationship between Noel and Chief Deputy Auditor Jessica Huffman.
Lead investigator Lt. Jeffrey Hearon released a new probable cause affidavit Thursday saying he seized a white iPhone belonging to Huffman to conduct a further search of its messages and other data. A text chain shows Noel and Huffman had extensive conversations regarding a pension for Bradley Kramer, a former Clark County Sheriff's Office employee.
A key part of the investigation includes whether or not Noel altered records to secure a pension for Kramer, his brother-in-law, to which he was not entitled.
According to Clark County Sheriff's Office current leadership, Kramer was jail matron for only part of 2018. The jail matron is a position historically held by the sheriff's wife, and is responsible for the care of female inmates and human resources issues in the jail.
The current jail matron is Morgan Maples, Sheriff Scottie Maples' wife.
In January, ISP said they believed either Kramer or Noel altered documents to indicate Kramer held the position since Jan. 1, 2015, making him eligible for a deputy merit pension. In the new search warrant Thursday, Kramer told investigators handwriting on some records was not his and some of his information was wrong.
When Deputy Chief Mark Grube reached out to Huffman about discrepancies on Kramer's records in June 2023, she texted Jamey Noel "His email tells me- you are probably right."
Hearon and a detective spoke to Huffman April 30 at the Clark County Auditor's Office and asked why she sent the screenshot. Huffman told them she was trying to conduct her own inquiry and "wanted to see what Mr. Noel's reaction would be" when he saw the email.
Neither Kramer nor Huffman have been charged with any crimes. Noel faces 25 felony charges and is currently in jail for being found in contempt of court.
Noel pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 6.
According to the court document released Thursday, the messages also revealed a three-year relationship between Noel and Huffman that included tickets to Cincinnati Reds games and meeting for drinks at a Jeffersonville bar. Hearon also stated the two often discussed the ongoing ISP and State Board of Accounts investigation up until October 2023.
In the audit of Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association released Monday, the State Board of Accounts said, "Jamey Noel charged $27,282.96 to the New Chapel AMEX card for baseball tickets, stadium services, and/or memorabilia for a single team."
Huffman's attorney Jennifer Culotta, who also represented Kramer at Noel's April 9 contempt of court hearing, said Huffman had no comment on Thursday's developments.
Huffman initially refused to allow a review of her text messages, but later agreed after she consulted with an attorney.
Huffman told investigators Noel used other phone numbers and messaging applications to communicate with her after October 2023.
CASE BACKGROUND
Jamey Noel is facing 25 felony charges, including counts of theft, tax evasion, corrupt business practices, ghost employment and official misconduct. 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.
Watch the WHAS11 special report on the Jamey Noel investigation below
His wife Misty Noel is facing 10 felonies; five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Kasey Noel is facing 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 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 paid child support payments with UTVFA funds.
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.