(FRANKFORT, APRIL 21, 2026) – The Clinton County Commissioners took a series of actions during their meeting Tuesday morning in response to newly filed felony charges against Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife, Jail Matron Ashley Kelly.
Among the actions, the Commissioners unanimously approved a strengthened nepotism policy, formally terminated Ashley Kelly’s employment, and outlined additional steps aimed at protecting county employees, restoring workplace confidence, and ensuring accountability.
The newly adopted nepotism policy prohibits relatives from being in a direct line of supervision over one another. The policy applies to all county employees – including appointed and contract employees – but does not apply to elected officials. “Relative” is broadly defined to include spouses, former spouses, parents, children, siblings, in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren, and extended family members. The policy also explicitly applies to jail matrons.
Commissioners say the move comes after years of ongoing concerns.
“People have asked us, ‘why now?’” said Jordan Brewer, President of the Clinton County Commissioners. “We’ve given Sheriff Kelly multiple opportunities to do what is right in his department, and he’s chosen to ignore that. We’ve asked for the Kellys’ resignations twice and have not received them. Considering the most recent felony charges, this is a workplace safety issue. There’s no way we can have employees feel unsafe or fear retaliation. Now is the time for us to act.”
The charges, filed in Marion County, include multiple felony counts of fraud, theft, and official misconduct involving alleged misuse of funds and disability payments.
Immediately following the policy’s passage, Commissioners read into the public record a formal termination letter for Ashley Kelly. The action removes her from her role as jail matron, prohibits her from entering county property, and revokes any remote access. She has 24 hours to retrieve personal belongings and return all county-issued equipment.
Commissioners also announced several additional steps:
- A formal request will be made to the Indiana Attorney General to begin garnishing Sheriff Kelly’s wages to recover approximately $219,000 owed to the county from the jail commissary account.
- A recommendation will be made to the Clinton County Council and Merit Board to review and potentially adopt a “bad actor” clause in the sheriff’s pension policy, which would prevent retirement benefits following a criminal conviction. The recommendation aligns with guidance from the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association.
Commissioner Bert Weaver said the situation has taken a toll on county government.
Weaver noted the ongoing strain on county leadership.
“It has been a rough six years,” Weaver said. “It puts us in a bad position almost on a weekly basis because something doesn’t quite fit right. And quite honestly, it’s difficult to see them taking vacations while owing the county a tremendous amount of money. This has gone on long enough.”
Commissioners also addressed claims made during a recent court hearing that certain Sheriff’s Office employees were “voluntarily” working from home due to restraining orders against the Kellys. Commissioners clarified that no such remote work arrangement has been approved.
Commissioner Kevin Myers emphasized the impact on employees.
“Are they supposed to take inmates home with them? Do we have detectives who are supposed to take evidence home?” Brewer said. “Clinton County does not support work-from-home arrangements for positions that require in-person duties. Employees should feel safe working in the Sheriff’s Office. If the courts need more information, they should feel free to call us.”
“What this all boils down to is taking care of the employees at the jail,” Myers said. “If they can’t do their job properly, then they can’t take care of the citizens. It’s sad that this has happened, but this is what we must do.”