Baraka

BREAKING — New criminal charges are filed against Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife and Clinton County Jail Matron Ashley Kelly. The case was filed in Marion County this morning. Richard Kelly has been charged with two counts of Aiding, Inducing, or Causing Fraud (Level 5 felonies), Aiding, Inducing, or Causing Theft (level 5 felony) and Official Misconduct (Level 6 felony). Ashley Kelly has been charged with two counts of Fraud (Level 5 felonies), Theft (Level 5 felony) and Official Misconduct (Level 6 felony). Both are already facing charges in a separate case dating back to 2022. The new charges stem from alleged misappropriation of funds from the Indiana State Police Pension Trust. Court docs allege the couple were involved in a years-long scheme to fraudulently collect disability payments totaling more than $50,000. Ashley was reportedly on full disability since 2015, claiming a severe neck injury, however, while collecting disability payments, still worked as a jail matron. Court docs say that Ashley engaged in physical activities inconsistent with her claimed disability. Plus, despite her job as matron being strictly administrative, prosecutors say she regularly interacted with inmates, supervised deputies, and participated in law enforcement activities — including undercover drug operations and surveillance. Richard Kelly is accused of misrepresenting his wife’s job duties to the Indiana State Police. Ashley Kelly is currently running for Clinton County Sheriff. Richard Kelly is running for county commissioner. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears issued the following statement: “Public corruption is a priority for this office. We are proud to have partnered with the Indiana State Police on these investigations. Charging a sitting sheriff is a serious matter, but public servants, particularly those in law enforcement, have an obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity. These allegations reflect a fundamental violation of public trust.”