LOUISVILLE, Ky.  (WDRB) -- It was a thunderous gavel slam that shook the courtroom and changed a former sheriff's weekend plans.

Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel was in court Tuesday for a contempt hearing and the judge lashed out in anger. 

For the last few weeks, Noel has been free on a $75,000 cash bond since his first court appearance last year. So it was no surprise that he came to Tuesday's contempt hearing in a suit and tie.

"He could have picked up the phone, called his lawyer, picked up the phone, called community corrections, called the court saying 'hey, I've got two guns here, they missed them, I don't want any trouble,'" special prosecutor Bruce Hertel said.

In November, special judge Larry Medlock ordered Noel to surrender all but one of his firearms, but the drama didn't start until after he heard from attorneys on both sides.

"This does not rise itself, in my mind, that this is a willful contempt of this court order," Noel's defense attorney, Jim Voyles, said.

Right now, Noel, his wife, and daughter are facing corruption charges. Indiana State Police detectives said a recent search of the family home produced two handguns, which is a violation of Noel's bond conditions.

The court hearing was held for Noel to explain why two pistols were found in the home, and why he shouldn’t be held in contempt of the judge’s order.

Judge Larry Medlock

Judge Larry Medlock slammed his gavel on April 9, 2024, after the contempt hearing for Jamey Noel. (WDRB photo)

"I told Mr. Noel don't do anything stupid, do not try to deceive me or defy me. You will not like the consequences," Medlock said.

After scolding Noel, Medlock dropped the hammer and sent a very explicit message.

"You are not the law. You don't interpret the law. You don't enforce the law. You're not above the law," Medlock said.

And with that, Medlock sent the former sheriff back to jail.

"I find that you are in contempt of this court, take him into custody," Medlock said.

The judgment was met with applause by several people in the courtroom, but there was more to come as Noel was being handcuffed. Medlock determined how much time he would spend in jail.

"You know what I think the answer is, 60 days in," Medlock said.

Maybe it's a coincidence or maybe it's not, but 60 days in struck a nerve and a familiar note with people because under Noel's leadership, the Clark County Jail was featured on the A&E show "60 Days In."

The jury trial date for Noel is supposed to begin Nov. 6.

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