CLINTON COUNTY — The Clinton County Sheriff resigned on Thursday as part of a plea agreement in a 2022 criminal indictment in Clinton County.
Richard Kelly pleaded guilty to conflict of interest and official misconduct, stemming from his appointment of his wife as jail matron. His wife, Ashley, also pleaded guilty Thursday to conflict of interest in connection with the same allegations in Clinton Circuit Court.
Both were accused of failing to file proper paperwork in making Ashley the jail matron.
Attorney Mario Massillamany, representing Ashley Kelly, told WRTV that he believes the case never should have reached the point of criminal charges.
"I would argue this is a procedural matter that turned criminal. They advised both the Clinton County Council and the commissioner's office that she was going to be the next jail matron. They were following the same set of rules the previous two sheriffs in Clinton County had done by appointing their wives as jail matrons," Massillamany said.
The Clinton County Council has since tightened rules about hiring family members.
The county commissioners say in a news release issued Thursday evening that they've begun notifying eligible precinct committeemen of a caucus to replace the former sheriff, which must be held within 30 days of the job being vacated. Commissioner Jordan Brewer, who is the county Republican Party chairman, is leading the effort.
Until a new sheriff is selected, Chief Deputy Shawn Mayfield will serve as acting sheriff, the commissioners say.
The Kellys are still facing charges in a criminal indictment in Marion County, as part of an Indiana State Police investigation. Richard Kelly is charged with two counts of aiding, inducing, or causing fraud; a count of aiding, inducing, or causing theft; and a count of official misconduct. Ashley Kelly is charged with two counts of fraud, a count of theft, and a count of official misconduct.
Richard Kelly is facing a gun charge in Hamilton County. Court documents say Kelly was working an off-duty security job at the former home of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay when he was found carrying a gun. Indiana law prohibits anyone under felony indictment from carrying a firearm.
Ashley Kelly, who ran for Clinton County Sheriff, lost in the republican primary on Tuesday.
Gregg Montgomery contributed to this report.
