Former Scott County Sheriff pleads not guilty in expanding southern Indiana corruption case

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — The corruption case involving former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel has widened to include another former law enforcement official—this time, from a neighboring county.

Kenneth Hughbanks, former Sheriff of Scott County, was formally charged with felony tax evasion during a court appearance Tuesday afternoon. A judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

“The tax evasion deals with some unreported income, or alleged unreported income, dealing with some money that [Hughbanks] received from an individual along with some items that he sold and did not report income tax with,” said special prosecutor Richard Hertel, who is overseeing the case.

Hughbanks, who once worked at the Clark County Jail, was appointed Scott County Sheriff in April 2018. Investigators believe that appointment was tied to his connection to Noel, who is currently at the center of a wide-ranging public corruption investigation.

“I don't think that Kenneth Hughbanks was on anyone's radar—had it not been for the Jamey Noel investigation,” Hertel said. “That’s what brought it to the Indiana State Police and ultimately to me.”

Following his tenure as sheriff, Hughbanks was rehired by Noel to serve as the Clark County Sheriff's Operations Corrections Commander. He resigned from that role in 2019 but stayed on as a paid consultant.

Authorities arrested Hughbanks last week at his home. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.

While prosecutors said they are not currently pursuing charges against any members of Hughbanks’ family, the broader investigation into Noel has already resulted in several arrests and convictions, including those of his daughter, estranged wife, and close associates.

“In fairness, we think it's over,” Hertel said, referencing the ongoing investigation. “But I think we've thought that before—that it’s been over—and a rock gets turned over, and then there's something else to be looked at underneath that.”

Hughbanks is scheduled to go to trial July 7.

Meanwhile, Misty Noel, another central figure in the case, is expected in court on May 21. Hertel confirmed ongoing negotiations with her attorney and noted a separate civil matter involving the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.

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