LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The classic car collection of Jamey Noel, the former sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, sold at a premium over the weekend, fetching $1.2 million in total. This auction marked the latest chapter in the ongoing efforts to recoup the millions of dollars Noel was convicted of stealing from taxpayers.
Noel, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for 27 felonies, was convicted in 2023 for embezzling funds intended for public services. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay $3.1 million in restitution to a variety of organizations, including New Chapel EMS, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and the Indiana Department of Revenue.
In total, the auction featured 43 vehicles, many of which still bore the “NOEL” decals on their windshields. The cars, along with other luxury items such as firearms, suits, and Rolex watches, were seized as part of the restitution process. Interest in the auction was high, and despite some of the cars not being in running condition—several had to be left behind in the parking lot—bidders showed enthusiasm.
The auction took place at the French Lick Springs Hotel during the “Premier Spring Big Boy Toy Classic Car Auction” on May 2-3. On Friday, 21 vehicles were up for sale, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. The remaining 22 vehicles were auctioned off the following day.
While many of the cars were in need of repair, the historical value of the collection seemed to be a major draw for collectors, some of whom were willing to overlook the condition of the vehicles in exchange for owning a piece of the once-prominent sheriff’s legacy.
All proceeds from the auction, minus fees, will go directly toward paying off Noel’s court-ordered restitution. The total amount raised over the two-day event was $1.2 million, a significant sum in the ongoing effort to make the victims of Noel’s crimes whole again.
This auction marks just the latest phase of Noel’s financial reckoning, following the sale of luxury goods earlier this year. With nearly $2 million still owed, it remains to be seen whether further assets will be liquidated in the future.
