LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Newly released search warrants in the ongoing public corruption investigation into former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel reveal he spent more than $730,000 on his non-profit’s credit card for cigars, clothes, and jewelry.
Indiana State Police also used the information from a subpoena to request a search warrant for the bill payment company handling Duke Energy accounts. Investigators believe Noel may have been using his non-profit to pay for utilities at his three homes. Investigators found Noel had signed an agreement with the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association to use his pole barn at 709 Salem Road, in exchange for utility payments and improvements.
American Express told investigators their review of the account showed the charges to be personal in nature, not the intended use of the business card, and indicative of misuse. A second card was primarily used at tailors and seamstresses, home supply stores, special event tickets, and travel agents.
Another search warrant reveals more of the extent of the relationship between Noel and former Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree. The two had a child together, and investigators said their review shows Noel paid much of his annual $25,000 child support payment to her from New Chapel EMS funds. (Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association does business as New Chapel EMS).
Ferree told investigators she’s known Noel since she was a teenager, but decided to get into politics independent of Noel’s influence.
While on the Clark County Council, Ferree went on two trips with Noel to New Orleans while he was on business for New Chapel or the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Ferree said she was in a romantic relationship with Noel, and told investigators she voted for funding bills for New Chapel EMS as part of her duties as a Clark County Council member.
Investigators filed a search warrant for her bank account.
Ferree also explained she paid cash for the BMW Noel sold her belonging to New Chapel EMS. Ferree explained she got the money from an insurance payout after wrecking her previous car. Investigators did not find evidence her payment made it into New Chapel EMS bank accounts.
Investigators said her cell phone revealed she was texting Noel as late as December discussing the ongoing investigation. A screenshot from one app showed Ferree asking Noel how much it would cost for her to “go away.”
Noel has pleaded not guilty to 15 felony charges including theft, ghost employment, and corrupt business influence. He’s pleaded not guilty.
At a recent hearing, the special prosecutors revealed they were preparing additional arrest warrants, including one for Noel’s wife Misty.
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January 23, 2024 at 02:11AM
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Search Warrants: Noel used non-profit’s money for hundreds of thousands of personal purchases - WAVE 3
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