FRANKFORT, IN. (WLFI) – The Clinton County Commissioners Tuesday fired Jail Matron Ashley Kelly and passed a new nepotism policy Tuesday in response to felony charges filed against her and her husband, Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly.
The charges, filed in Marion County, include multiple felony counts of fraud, theft and official misconduct involving alleged misuse of funds and disability payments.
The Clinton County Commissioners Tuesday fired Jail Matron Ashley Kelly and passed a new nepotism policy Tuesday in response to felony charges filed against her and her husband, Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly.
The new nepotism policy prohibits relatives from supervising one another and applies to all county employees, including appointed and contract employees, but not elected officials.
The policy defines relatives broadly to include spouses, former spouses, parents, children, siblings, in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren and extended family members.
“We’ve given Sheriff Kelly multiple opportunities to do what is right in his department, and he’s chosen to ignore that,” said Jordan Brewer, president of the Clinton County Commissioners. “We’ve asked for the Kellys resignations twice and have not received them.”
Brewer said the felony charges made this a workplace safety issue.
“There’s no way we can have employees feel unsafe or fear retaliation,” Brewer said. “Now is the time for us to act.”
After passing the policy, commissioners read a formal termination letter for Ashley Kelly into the public record. 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 they will ask the Indiana Attorney General to begin garnishing Sheriff Kelly’s wages to recover about $219,000 owed to the county from the jail commissary account.
They will recommend the Clinton County Council and Merit Board review and potentially adopt a “bad actor” clause in the sheriff’s pension policy, which would prevent retirement benefits following a criminal conviction.
Commissioner Bert Weaver said the situation has taken a toll on county government.
“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.”
“This has gone on long enough,” Weaver said.
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.
“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.”
Commissioner Kevin Myers said the actions are about protecting employees.
“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.”
