Indiana sheriff admits to misusing funds for travel, gifts, and vehicles.

An ex-Indiana sheriff admitted to over 20 charges, as part of a plea bargain, for misusing public funds, which totaled millions, on personal expenses such as travel, gifts, and vehicles.

On Monday, Jamey Noel, the former Clark County Sheriff, pleaded guilty to 27 charges, including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion, and money laundering. He will be sentenced to 15 years in prison and pay more than $3 million in restitution as part of his plea deal.

Under the agreement, four counts of ghost employment alleging that Noel had his employees perform personal chores for him at his property would be dismissed.

Judge Larry Medlock stated on Monday that while he was not opposed to the plea agreement, he required additional time to hear from the victims of Noel's alleged offenses before making a decision.

Medlock stated that he wanted to hear from taxpayers who had been wronged by the actions of that person.

Noel remains in the Scott County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.

Noel served as Clark County's elected Republican sheriff for two consecutive terms before leaving office in 2022. He also previously held the position of chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.

Noel was fired from his position as president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which does business as New Chapel Fire and EMS, after pleading guilty to several charges related to his time with the company.

According to the News and Tribune, it is alleged that Noel and his family spent millions of dollars on personal purchases, including travel, gifts, clothing, and vehicles.

In June, Medlock stated that Noel had misused the firefighter association's funds for personal expenses.

Dozens of searches were executed by the Indiana State Police, revealing payments for classic cars, college tuition, and an aircraft.

Noel's wife, Kasey Noel, and daughter, Misty Noel, have been charged with theft and tax evasion. Both women have pleaded not guilty and their jury trials are set for Oct. 28.

Noel's plea agreement requires him to pay over $2.87 million in restitution to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, over $61,000 to the sheriff's department, over $173,000 to the Indiana Department of Revenue, along with his wife, and over $35,000 to the Indiana State Police for evidence storage costs.

The court will determine the costs of the fine that Noel must pay, in addition to the penalty.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.