A recent audit conducted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts has revealed that former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel mishandled a substantial amount of public funds, exceeding initial estimates. The investigation uncovered that Noel failed to deposit hundreds of thousands of dollars from service contracts and fire truck sales into designated accounts. Noel, who previously served as CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to 27 felonies. Among the charges were misuse of credit cards for personal expenses totaling approximately $2.8 million. The latest report highlights additional discrepancies in financial transactions between 2019 and 2023, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in local governance.
The audit, filed on January 29, detailed significant lapses in financial management. Noel did not deposit $410,000 in payments received from service contracts with the Utica Township Fire Protection District and New Albany Township Fire District. These funds were intended to cover fire and emergency medical services. Additionally, the sale of three fire trucks between 2020 and 2022 raised red flags. Two of the trucks were originally purchased by the fire district, a separate taxing entity. Despite receiving four checks for these sales, only one check was deposited into the correct account, while others ended up in unrelated accounts or remained unprocessed.
Joe Jarles, president of the Utica Township Fire Protection District since August 1, expressed dissatisfaction with the findings. He emphasized the importance of reimbursing taxpayers for the misappropriated funds, rather than seeking further punitive measures against Noel. Jarles stated his primary goal is to ensure justice for the community’s financial losses.
The SBA has demanded that Noel repay $760,859.57, including $120,859.57 for investigation costs. The report also questioned the validity of meeting minutes where trustees allegedly transferred ownership of the fire trucks. One transfer occurred a year after the sale, while another set of minutes was never signed. Phoenix Ambulance, formerly known as New Chapel EMS, disputed parts of the report, arguing that the SBOA overstepped its authority in evaluating the credibility of meeting minutes.
The initial SBOA report in 2024 led to charges against Noel, his estranged wife Misty Noel, and their daughter Kasey Noel. All three were accused of misusing UTVFA credit cards for personal expenditures. Kasey was sentenced on January 13, while Misty awaits trial. This ongoing saga underscores the need for stringent oversight and transparency in managing public resources.