Ex-Sheriff Jamey Noel's 15-Year Sentence: A Lesson in Abuse of Power

Jamey Noel, the former sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, received a 15-year prison sentence on Monday. The sentence was handed down by Special Judge Larry Medlock after Noel accepted a plea agreement in Clark County Circuit Court. Noel had served as sheriff from 2015 to 2022 and was also the former leader of New Chapel EMS. Noel pleaded guilty to several charges, including corrupt business influence, theft, tax evasion, and official misconduct. Some of his misdeeds involved using a business card for personal purchases and having sheriff's office employees work at a barn where he stored classic cars. Four charges of ghost employment were dismissed during the hearing in August.

The sentencing hearing lasted two hours and included witness impact statements from various people. These included former New Chapel employees, law enforcement officials, and residents who claimed their family members had died due to inadequate emergency services. Noel became emotional during the hearing, admitting that the charges were his fault and that his family was a victim of his deceit. Matt Owen, the current CEO of New Chapel, stated that Noel had stolen the company's credibility. He also highlighted that while Noel allegedly used the company credit card for vintage car purchases, New Chapel struggled with staffing issues. Mark Grube, the assistant chief of the Clark County Sheriff's Department, testified that he had sought an Indiana State Police investigation after finding falsified documents, only to realize he too was affected by Noel's actions. The judge addressed Noel directly, stating, "You've tarnished the badge and failed everyone in law enforcement." The sentence includes three years of probation after the prison term.

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