Clark County councilman, former councilwoman charged with official misconduct connected to Jamey Noel investigation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Clark County Councilman John Miller, who's also a Clarksville Police officer, and former Clark County Councilwoman Brittney Ferree were arrested Friday in connection with the investigation into former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel.

Indiana State Police Capt. Ron Galaviz said Miller is charged with one count of official misconduct, which is a level 6 felony.

Galaviz said Ferree turned herself in at the Clark County Jail at 5:43 p.m. Friday after ISP announced they were looking for her. She's also charged with official misconduct and is being held at the jail in downtown Jeffersonville.

Miller was arrested by Clark County sheriff deputies while attending the annual Sellersburg Celebrates luncheon.

In a statement, the Clarksville Police Department said it's aware of the arrest and allegations made against Miller.

"The Clarksville Police Department has been working closely with the Indiana State Police and will follow along with their investigation," Clarksville Police said in a statement. "There are departmental policies and procedures in place for such situations."

Miller was booked into the Clark County Jail, but is currently in the Washington County Jail according to online jail records.

ISP said earlier Friday they were looking for Ferree on official misconduct charges. Ferree is listed on documents in the Noel case released on July 25. According to search warrants and child support documents, Noel and Ferree have a child together. Noel was previously accused of using taxpayer money from the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association to pay child support to Ferree.

In total, investigators said Noel gave Ferree more than $114,000 for child support, trips and other expenses using money from the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association between 2019 and 2022.

On Friday, attorneys for former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel filed a motion requesting a change of plea. WDRB learned from the special prosecutor that Noel is expected to plead guilty at an 11 a.m. hearing on Monday, Aug. 26.

Noel has previously pleaded not guilty to 31 felonies.

The former sheriff is accused of using credit cards from the agencies to fund his and his family's lifestyle — paying for a massive car collection, an airplane, international vacations and bills for his kids — including rent and college tuition.

Search warrants released at the beginning of August show Jamey Noel, Misty Noel and Kasey Noel spent more than $327,000 on travel over a five year span.

According to court documents, Noel gave Miller thousands of dollars from the Utica Township Volunteers Firefighters Association for trips, meals, lodging and other items.

Miller acknowledged that he annually accepted 25 meals from Jamey Noel because he wouldn't let anyone pay for a meal if you were with him.

Miller said Noel also paid for concert tickets for a Kenny Chesney concert and him, his wife and two other couples.

According to ISP, all of it was paid for using the fire department's credit cards.

Breakdown of funds for Miller and Noel together:

Flight to Managua, Nicaragua, for Miller and other persons on April 4, 2018 - $1,505.89 each
Flight to Havana, Cuba, for Miller and other persons on Feb. 9, 2023 - $938.45 each
Total charges for Cuba Trip (lodging, meals and tours) - $8,585
George Strait Concert in Nashville tickets - $4,423.44
George Strait Concert Hotel - $649.90
St. Elmo's Steak House:
- Dec. 17, 2022 - $1,007.72, $750.
- Dec. 18, 2022 - $660.27, $500.
- June 17, 2022 - $520.79

As a councilman, Miller also approved funding for New Chapel EMS, which Noel was the CEO, without disclosing a conflict of interest.

This story may be updated.

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