Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly Criminal Trial Remains Set for May 11, 2026, as Civil Repayment Order Stands and Related Lawsuits Continue

Frankfort, Indiana – February 24, 2026 – More than three years after criminal charges were first filed, Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife, Ashley Kelly (former jail matron), are still awaiting trial on multiple Level 6 felony counts tied to the management of the county jail’s commissary fund. No new court developments have been publicly reported since late 2025, with the criminal matter scheduled to begin May 11, 2026, in Boone County Circuit Court. The case centers on allegations that the Kellys improperly profited from the commissary operation through their company, Leonne LLC, without required county contracts or approvals.

Special prosecutors have accused the couple of violating Indiana’s criminal conflict-of-interest and conversion statutes by directing commissary funds to their privately owned business. In a related civil lawsuit brought by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Special Judge Thomas Lett of Tipton County granted partial summary judgment on September 17, 2025. The ruling orders Sheriff Kelly, Ashley Kelly, and Leonne LLC to pay the State of Indiana $329,360.47 jointly and severally. That total includes $219,634.65 in pecuniary damages for improperly issued checks and $109,725.82 in costs from the State Board of Accounts special investigation.

Clinton County Commissioners responded swiftly, issuing a public demand for both the sheriff and his wife to resign immediately. > “The court’s findings make it clear that public trust has been broken,” Commissioner Jordan Brewer stated. “For the good of the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Clinton County, Sheriff Kelly and Matron Kelly should resign immediately.” Commissioner Bert Weaver added: “This is not about politics — it is about accountability. The only path forward is for both Richard and Ashley Kelly to step down.” The Kellys have consistently maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty and describing the prosecution as politically motivated. In statements following the civil ruling, they and their supporters have continued to call the matter a “witch hunt.”

Attorney Theodore “Ted” Minch of Fishers continues to represent Sheriff Kelly in the criminal proceedings. Two additional civil lawsuits involving the Kellys remain active: - A defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress suit filed by the Kellys against Clinton County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer in Boone County Circuit Court. The Indiana Court of Appeals reinstated the case in March 2025 after a trial-court dismissal on immunity grounds; the parties were ordered in late August 2025 to submit an agreed case-management plan. - A separate action involving Clinton County Attorney Thomas Little in Tippecanoe County. Ashley Kelly has also filed to run for Clinton County Sheriff in the 2026 election.

As of late February 2026, no reports indicate that the Kellys have satisfied the $329,360.47 civil judgment, nor have any additional pretrial hearings or continuances in the criminal case been publicly docketed beyond the May trial setting. Hoosier Enquirer will continue monitoring the Boone County and Tipton County dockets for further developments as the trial date approaches. This case has drawn significant local attention since the State Board of Accounts audit findings were released in 2022, highlighting ongoing questions about oversight of jail commissary funds and public-official accountability in Clinton County.