SALEM, Ind. — Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel and his entire family appeared in court Monday and agreed to extend a temporary restraining order for 30 days, which prevents them from selling or divesting any assets purchased with public funds.
Attorney General Todd Rokita's office is suing the Noels and a few past business associates for $4 million dollars. There is one lawsuit for misappropriation of Clark County Sheriff's Office funds, and one for $3.1 million worth of funds at Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association and New Chapel EMS.
Monday's proceedings were held in Washington County because there was believed to be a scheduling conflict in Clark County court. There aren't anticipated to be any more court dates in Washington County.
Jamey, Misty, Kasey, Josey and Gracy Noel each swore an oath and then answered very limited questions about the conditions of the restraining order. Jamey, Misty and Kasey are said to have been named credit card holders at UTVFA. Each of them is charged criminally to varying degrees.
The state says Jamey Noel paid Josey and Gracy Noel's college tuition with public funds. They are not charged criminally.
RELATED: Indiana AG sues former sheriff Jamey Noel and family for $3.1 million, asks to freeze all assets
The family members held hands with one another as each was called to testify. A few of them were reminded they cannot sell any assets. Misty Noel took the opportunity to refute one thing the attorney general's office said last week; that she's trying to sell some of the cars purchased with public funds.
"You applied for duplicate titles to know what all was in your name and in the family's name solely –without trying to secret assets from the State of Indiana. Is that true?" attorney Bart McMahon said. "That's true," Misty replied.
Court documents in the criminal matters previously stated Jamey, Misty and Kasey used UTVFA credit cards to purchase personal items and vacations. Jamey has been accused of using funds to make child support, and tuition payments for Gracy and Josey.
The new temporary restraining order will expire on June 21 and there is a hearing set for that day, should the parties not have reached an agreement by that time. Noel's attorney Larry Wilder filed a motion for a change of judge in both civil lawsuits Monday.
Kenneth Hughbanks, the former Scott County sheriff in 2018 and a named party in one lawsuit, was not present.
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 Jamey Noel
His wife Misty Noel is facing 10 felonies; five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion.
Daughter 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.
Watch the full hearing below
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.
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