Indiana proposed bill increases oversight over jail commissary funds after Jamey Noel investigation

Increase the oversight over a county jail's commissary fund.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. -- Indiana wants to tighten up the law regarding a sheriff's responsibility over jail funds.

House Bill 1208, would increase the oversight over a county jail's commissary fund.

It comes less than a year after a state audit which reviewed Clark County Jail's commissary fund while Jamey Noel was sheriff, revealed "questionable" or "unsupported" payments totaling over $458,000.

"We've been living under the shadow for the last 18 months, and it's time that we fix the problem in a way that can restore trust, accountability and credibility, as well as transparency in all that our public officials do," said State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, D-Jeffersonville.

Noel, 53, pleaded guilty to theft, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt business influence and official misconduct Aug. 26. He agreed to the plea deal nearly a year after he was arrested and Indiana State Police investigators raided his home in southern Indiana.

Jamey Noel tearfully reads a statement before his sentencing on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in Clark County. The former county sheriff pleaded guilty to 27 felonies for theft, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt business influence and official misconduct on Aug. 26. (WDRB photo)

Part of the proposed bill would require the state board of accounts to establish training requirements for the sheriff and its designee that oversees the jail commissary fund.

It would also require a sheriff to, "to provide a copy of the record of receipts and disbursements for the fund to the county fiscal body at least quarterly. (Current law requires the sheriff to provide a copy of the record of receipts and disbursements for the fund to the county fiscal body semiannually.)"

Dant Chesser, proposed a similar bill, but has joined to support House Bill 1208.

This version, is authored by Rep. Gregory Steuerwald, R-Avon, and co-authored by two Republicans and one Democrat. 

"It continues to be bipartisan because other folks see what has happened, and I'm sure they're worried. They want to make sure this doesn't happen to them," Dant Chesser said.

Dant Chesser added the Indiana Sheriff Association testified in favor of the bill. 

The bill has advanced out of committee, and is now in the hands of the House.