Former Sheriff Under Investigation for Misuse of $7 Million in Military Surplus and Classic Cars
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Jamey Noel, the former Clark County sheriff, along with his wife Misty, is facing multiple felony charges amidst an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of $7 million worth of military surplus equipment and personal gain from the sales of classic cars. The investigation, initiated in June last year, has recently unveiled further evidence linking the Noels to the illegal sale and storage of government property.
Investigators from the Indiana State Police (ISP), along with the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, discovered that between January 2015 and December 2022, Noel had received a substantial amount of surplus military property, which was then partly sold for personal profit. Recent search warrants executed on properties in Deputy, Indiana, revealed 26 government, civilian, and military shipping containers, some of which contained surplus property presumed to be sold or stored unlawfully.
Additional inquiries led to the uncovering of surplus military storage containers and toolboxes at the residence of a Clark County jail employee, given to him by Kenneth Hughbanks, a close associate of Noel and former Scott County sheriff. Hughbanks, who has yet to face charges, is also implicated in the scheme, particularly concerning a consulting arrangement with Noel worth $262,000, which was not fully reported in tax filings.
Further developments in the case include the discovery of an old hardware store in Scottsburg, purportedly owned or rented by Hughbanks, filled with classic cars, including a 1957 Chevrolet linked to Noel through a questionable transaction that netted him $9,500.
Jamey Noel faces 25 felony charges, including theft, tax evasion, and corrupt business practices, while Misty Noel is charged with ten felonies related to theft and tax evasion. The ISP's investigation has highlighted a pattern of misconduct involving the use of Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association (UTVFA) funds for personal gain, including unauthorized purchases and the sale of vehicles belonging to the UTVFA, ultimately profiting from these transactions.
The extensive probe into Noel's actions sheds light on a disturbing misuse of public resources and trust, raising significant concerns about the oversight of surplus military equipment and the ethical conduct of public officials. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the Noels' activities and ensure justice is served.
