US EditionMCPO: Charges Filed in 2 Investigations Involving Indiana Sheriffs
Prosecutors say the cases involve $78,000 in questionable commissary spending and more than $205,000 in disability payments.
- On Thursday, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced felony charges against Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter, Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly, and Clinton County Jail Matron Ashley Kelly following separate corruption investigations.
- Investigators allege Kleinhelter misused jail commissary funds for personal expenses, including a $14,747 refund for canceled Dubai travel and unauthorized Blackstone grills, while falsifying special deputy documentation for his wife.
- Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal warned the charges hurt all Indiana sheriffs who follow the law, noting that ongoing legal matters strain county government operations and distract from serving residents.
- Clinton County Commissioners have demanded the Kellys' immediate resignation, citing what Prosecutor Mears described as "a fundamental violation of public trust." Public corruption is a priority for his office.
- Richard Kelly and Ashley Kelly allegedly misappropriated funds from the Indiana State Police Pension Trust, with Ashley facing additional fraud charges for accepting at least $50,000 in disability payments based on falsified medical claims.
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15 Articles
News and Tribune
Indiana Capital ChronicleDubois County sheriff faces criminal charges tied to lying in state police investigation
A Southern Indiana sheriff accused of misusing public funds was charged Thursday in Marion County with a felony and three misdemeanors after investigators say he gave false information during a 2024 state police investigation.
Court records released on case against Dubois County Sheriff Case
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WSIL) -- An Indiana sheriff has been charged with official misconduct and false informing after a state audit uncovered approximately $78,000 in questionable expenses from a jail commissary fund, according to court records.
"Bull**** and Cowardice": Commissioner Blasts Indicted Sheriff
In a blow to Indiana law enforcement, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced Thursday that two sitting sheriffs and a jail matron have been formally charged with multiple felonies following separate investigations by the Indiana State Police (ISP).
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