LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The theft case against the estranged wife of former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel is headed back to court, despite her taking a plea deal last week.

A contempt of court hearing for Misty Noel will be held Aug. 12 on an accusation that she provided false testimony at her recent change of plea hearing.

At a hearing in May, the prosecution and defense presented a conditional plea deal. As part of the plea deal, Noel would plead guilty, repay $660,806.64 in restitution to New Chapel EMS and $29,547 to the Indiana Department of Revenue, and serve up to six years — 18 months in prison followed by 4.5 years of probation. 

The new controversy centers around a recent TV interview, during which Noel claimed she did not "knowingly and intentionally" commit the crime of theft. But that is a key part of the legal standard in Indiana's criminal code.

"You know, my crime is not asking questions and not being informed, and that is something that I'm very sorry for," Noel said in an interview with WDRB the day before she was sentenced. "But we were not willing, and I feel like that's ... there's a difference between being purposeful, because I would never hurt, willingly hurt people."

If she is found in contempt of court and the plea deal is thrown out, the case could go to trial.

Special Judge Larry Medlock ruled Monday that Misty Noel's comments in television news interviews last week amounted to her "telling the world that she did not 'knowingly and intentionally' commit the crime of theft. 

"The Court cannot find an individual guilty if they profess and maintain their innocence," Medlock wrote, saying that a jury will instead have to make that determination. As a result, he wrote, he will hold a hearing to throw out the guilty plea and set a trial date. 

Noel pleaded guilty last Thursday, July 3, to five counts of theft and five counts of tax evasion, the original charges filed against her.

After accepting Misty Noel's plea deal Thursday, Medlock called the case "an assault on the trusting citizens of Clark County." 

"That's my fault, and I hold myself accountable for that," Noel said in court last week. "Because of that, I failed my community, and I failed my children."

Noel's estranged husband, Jamey Noel, was convicted of stealing taxpayer money. He's currently serving a 12-year prison sentence.

At his sentencing last October, Jamey Noel said his family, including his wife, had no idea of his illegal activity. Jamey Noel was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution after pleading guilty to 27 felonies for theft, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt business influence and official misconduct.

Previous Coverage:

Misty Noel guilty plea could be set aside after she said she didn't 'knowingly' commit crimes

Misty Noel, wife of former Clark County sheriff, pleads guilty to 10 felony charges

Facing prison time, Misty Noel holds herself 'accountable' for corruption scandal

Jamey Noel Fallout | Corruption, betrayal and communities left in chaos

Former sheriff's crimes force property tax hikes, service cuts in Clark County

Former Clark County council member pleads guilty to 1 felony connected to Jamey Noel case

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