Two Indiana sheriffs, jail matron charged after public integrity investigations

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two current Indiana sheriffs and a current Indiana jail matron have been charged with several felonies following criminal investigations by the Indiana State Police.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the charges on Thursday against Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter, Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly, and Clinton County Jail Matron Ashley Kelly.

Below is a list of their charges:

• Kleinhelter
  • False informing
  • Official misconduct
• Richard Kelly
  • Two counts of aiding, inducing, or causing fraud
  • Aiding, inducing, or causing theft
  • Official misconduct
• Ashley Kelly
  • Two counts of fraud
  • Theft
  • Official misconduct

Kleinhelter’s charges follow his reportedly making multiple false statements to the Indiana State Police during a theft and fraud probe in 2024.

Kleinhelter, a political ally of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, was previously investigated after he was accused of possible misuse of commissary funds to buy airline tickets for himself and his wife, and grills for his employees.

Purchases were made during trips to Arizona and Florida. At one point, investigators say Kleinhelter planned a trip ...