A famous former Clark County Indiana sheriff was found guilty of using county funds paid for by local taxpayers for out of budget personal luxuries.
Ex-Clark County Indiana sheriff swindled taxpayers
The misuse of fund allowed his family indulge in a lavish lifestyle with purchases that included a plane, classic cars, and Rolex watches.
Former lawman Jamey Noel served as Clark County’s sheriff from 2015 to 2022, and was famous for appearing on A&E reality show “60 Days In.”
During an episode, he once claimed that he ran for sheriff because “corruption had risen to the highest office,” following the previous sheriff’s scandal involving a prostitute, as per the Courier Journal.
On Monday, Noel received a 15-year sentence, with three years suspended for probation.
He faces fines of $270,000 and over $3 million in restitution after pleading guilty to 27 charges, including business influence, theft, tax evasion, and misconduct, in August.
Judge Larry Medlock noted his disapproval before delivering the sentence, stating,
“One outlandish discovery after another,” he said during court proceedings, as reported by WDRB.
He accused Noel of failing everyone around him and bullying those who resisted his demands.
Noel’s misuse of funds extended beyond being sheriff; he also led New Chapel Fire and EMS, where he used a department tied credit card to buy $4.4 million worth of luxury personal items.
His spending spree included $15,000 on Rolexes, a Cessna airplane for $25,000 plus $16,000 in repairs, and $160,000 in Amazon purchases, according to an audit.
Crimes committed by Clark County Indiana sheriff lead to fatality
The repercussions of Noel’s actions were significant, affecting more than just finances.
He misled the agencies about their financial status while spending freely for himself and his family.
Around 20 individuals testified about how his actions impacted their lives.
“He had no regard for our personal safety. No regard for our mental health. None,” stated former New Chapel EMS paramedic Suzanne Davis during the hearing.
Victims claimed that the funds Noel diverted could have enhanced jail safety, and his negligence led to tragic circumstances.
Christopher Sweet died in 2017 after allegedly not receiving medical attention for chest pains.
“I hope you suffer every day,” Christopher’s mother, Janice Sweet, told Noel at his sentencing. “I hope you rot in prison.”
Noel cried as he apologized to his family, Clark County residents, and fellow law enforcement officials, accepting his impending prison time.
“I do not look forward to the next 12 years but I understand why I will be spending time in prison, and I accept this,” he said to the presiding judge.
The Indiana State Police arrested Noel last year when questions about his spending arose. His wife and adult daughter are also facing related charges.
Activist accused of running drug ring
In another case, a Seattle safety activist was arrested for allegedly operating a large-scale fentanyl distribution ring.
49-year-old Matelita “Marty” Jackson was allegedly running the illicit business while serving as executive director of a nonprofit that handled $1 million in taxpayer funds.
Federal charges have been filed against Jackson of Renton and 16 others connected to the nationwide fentanyl distribution case.
Prosecutors allege that Jackson, along with her family, distributed 800,000 fentanyl pills across multiple states.
Her sons were identified as the ringleaders, while she managed money laundering operations.
Jackson garnered attention as an activist following a Seattle shooting, receiving government funding for her youth restorative justice nonprofit, the SE Network SafetyNet Program, tied to the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.
The violence intervention program has since been suspended and Jackson’s profile was removed from the organization’s websites.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Jackson family members face conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering charges, with some members linked to a Seattle-area street gang.
The investigation uncovered seven kilograms of cocaine, 29 firearms, and over $116,000 in cash, and the U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman attributed at least four overdose deaths to the fentanyl ring.
