Corrupt Ex-Sheriff Jailed: The Shocking Courtroom Drama
The Indiana courtroom was deadly silent as Special Judge Larry Medlock took the bench. He sat down frowning. Addressing the defendant, the judge reared his arm over his head and slammed his gavel so hard, he broke its wooden base.
Former Clark County sheriff Jamey Noel sat stock still as Medlock raised his voice.
“I told Mr. Noel, ‘Don’t do anything stupid. Do not try to deceive me or defy me. You will not like the consequences,'” the judge began.
“You are not the law. You don’t interpret the law. You don’t enforce the law. You’re not above the law,” Medlock told the defendant, who was the top law enforcement officer in Clark County for seven years, beginning in 2015.
“I find that you are in contempt of this court. Take him into custody,” the judge ordered.
Noel was found in contempt Tuesday after recent police searches of his home allegedly turned up two semi-automatic weapons.
Noel has been charged with 25 felony counts including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion and corrupt business influence.
He is accused of stealing as much as $5 million in acts of official misconduct and has been under criminal investigation by Indiana State Police since June 2023.
Noel is accused of using his deputies for personal tasks on his properties and misusing funds.
State investigators allege in search warrant affidavits that Noel took out credit cards in the fire agency’s name and used those cards illegally for personal expenses.
Medlock sentenced him to 60 days in jail, a decision that sparked social media reactions.
Courtroom video of the angry judge’s remarks drew widespread social media retorts.
Noel’s defense argued he made a mistake in handling the weapons, but the judge did not accept the argument.
Noel has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set to begin later this year.
Noel’s wife and daughter also face multiple felony charges and have pleaded not guilty.