‘Troubling times’: Clinton County officials file resolution demanding the Kellys’ resignation

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WISH) — The Clinton County Council has filed a formal resolution demanding the resignation of the county sheriff and jail matron at the center of a yearslong criminal investigation. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced charges against Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and Jail Matron Ashley Kelly on April 9. Also charged was Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter , who was accused of false informing and official misconduct after reportedly lying to Indiana State Police during a theft and fraud probe in 2024. PREVIOUS | Two Indiana sheriffs, jail matron charged after public integrity investigations The Kellys, who are married and already facing charges in Clinton County , appeared in court Tuesday morning. They were handed several protective orders, including orders protecting current jail and sheriff’s office employees. The Kellys’ jury trial is set for July 14. As of Thursday, both Kellys were still actively serving as sheriff and jail matron. In the Clinton County Council’s resolution, officials say the county has endured “troubling and challenging times” since the Kellys assumed their positions as sheriff and jail matron. These challenges have caused the county to handle “numerous” legal matters regarding jail commissary misappropriations, investigations by the State Board of Accounts, and a complaint filed by the Indiana Attorney General to “recover monies unjustly taken by the Kellys.” The investigation by the SBOA ordered the Kellys in 2025 to pay $329,360.47 to repay the misused funds and cover the costs of the investigation. The court orders issued Tuesday, the council says, will severely limit the Kellys’ ability to be present at the jail and sheriff’s office. “The combined effect of these new alleged crimes and the inability of the Kellys to perform their daily duties and tasks creates a situation that demands the County Council take action to protect the fiscal integrity of the County within the Clinton County Jail and Sheriff’s Office.” Here are the terms as listed in the County’s resolution: Restrict the Kellys’ access to county fiscal resources and financial management tools. Direct the temporary transfer of fiscal operational management of the jail and sheriff’s office to the Clinton County Auditor. Have the Indiana General Assembly review, evaluate, and potentially strengthen Indiana laws overseeing sheriff departments and “allow alternative means to remove sheriffs in emergencies, such as is occurring in Clinton County.” An additional demand of the Clinton County Commissioners that the Kellys resign immediately “to restore confidence and accountability within the jail and sheriff’s office.” The Clinton County Commissioners will meet 9 a.m. Monday, April 21. The agenda for that meeting has not been released yet. Read the full resolution here. KELLY RESOLUTION Download