A former sheriff in southern Indiana has received a 12-year prison sentence after admitting to misusing millions in local funding for personal expenditures, including travel, gifts, and vehicles.

Special Judge Larry Medlock handed down the sentence to Jamey Noel on Monday, assigning a total of 15 years, with three years suspended for probation, according to reports.

Additionally, Judge Medlock ordered Noel, age 53, to pay $270,000 in fines along with over $3 million in restitution to the entities impacted by his actions. He emphasized that Noel had “tarnished the badge and failed everyone in law enforcement.”

Serving as sheriff of Clark County from 2015 until 2022, Noel entered a guilty plea in August to 27 different charges, which encompass theft, official misconduct, tax evasion, and money laundering. Many of these charges arose during his tenure as president and CEO of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, also known as New Chapel Fire/EMS.

Under his leadership, the firefighters’ association secured several public contracts for fire and emergency medical services within Clark and Floyd counties, situated along the Ohio River north of Louisville, Kentucky.

Prosecutors alleged that Noel and his family misappropriated substantial amounts of money for personal indulgences, such as vacations, gifts, apparel, and vehicles. Judge Medlock indicated in June that Noel treated the firefighters’ association’s funds like a “personal piggy bank.”

The Indiana State Police executed numerous searches, unveiling inappropriate payments made for luxury cars, college tuition, and even an aircraft.

During the sentencing hearing, a visibly emotional Noel expressed his remorse, stating the charges against him were entirely his responsibility and that his family had been the “victims of my deceit.”

He concluded by apologizing to the citizens of Clark County, acknowledging the impact of his actions on the community.