CLARK COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) -- The investigation of a former Indiana sheriff has led state police to his home, fire departments he led, and now, Clark County's airport.
Indiana State Police is investigating if former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel used Utica Fire Department money to buy or maintain his personal plane.
A newly-released search warrant shows the 1958 single-engine Cessna 172 inside a hangar.
The warrant said Noel bought it last year with $25,000 believed to have come from a fire department's bank account. Bank records for Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association show the money was withdrawn from the department, and "not Jamey Noel's personal account."
The warrant also reads Noel used more than $16,000 from the department to pay for maintenance on the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration registration was changed from Noel's name to the fire department in October of this year, as the investigation continued.
Noel led the Utica Volunteer Fire Department at the time of the transactions and is a former Clark County Sheriff.
He is charged with 15 felonies related to fraud, theft, misconduct and public corruption.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by WDRB News last week, investigators believe Noel assigned four Clark County Jail employees to work on his rental property, private business and residence while they were being paid by the county.
Additionally, investigators believe Noel worked with others to sell off equipment purchased for the county, like generators and air compressors, at auction. Investigators also accused him of hiring friends for contracts that were vague about the actual services provided.
When asked for comment last week, Noel's attorney Larry Wilder said "We will address all of these issues at trial."
Noel is expected back in court in January.
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