An Indiana sheriff and his spouse find themselves embroiled in a scandal after his wife allegedly misappropriated over $200,000 from the Indiana State Police Pension Trust under the guise of disability. Meanwhile, she was posting photos of her escapades on social media.
Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife, Ashley Kelly, were taken into custody at Marion County Jail on a Friday evening. The charges stem from accusations that Ashley collected six years’ worth of disability checks, despite medical professionals declaring her fit to resume work duties.
The allegations were brought to light in January when two merit deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office accused Ashley of disability fraud, as reported by the Indiana Star.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Ashley’s physicians had assessed her as having full use of her extremities and deemed her capable of employment. They noted she could lift up to 30 pounds, drive for 30 minutes without needing rest, and perform other physical activities without restrictions.
Ashley Kelly, who served as the Clinton County Jail Matron, had previously been an Indiana State Trooper since 2007. She began receiving full disability benefits in 2015, citing an injury from slipping on ice while handling equipment in her patrol car. The unfolding case raises questions about oversight and accountability in the administration of disability benefits.
Ashley claimed that the fall caused a neck injury that kept her from performing her duties, the outlet reported.
Court records obtained by the Star showed that she received a series of payments from 2021 to 2026 totaling $205,398.77.
Ashley’s social media presence further disproved her claim after investigators discovered numerous photos that show she may not have a disability, including picking up her children, riding horses, changing a tire and parasailing.
Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife Ashley Kelly were booked into Marion County Jail on Friday night after cashing in six years of disability checks, despite doctors claiming Ashley was fit to return to work
Court records showed that Ashley Kelly received a series of payments from 2021 to 2026 totaling $205,398.77 in disability checks
Investigators found that Ashley’s doctors had said her extremities were fully functional and she was employable, able to life 30 pounds, drive 30 minutes without a break and sit, stand or walk without limitation. Ashley is seen pictured with Richard Kelly uploaded on June 4, 2023
Videos of her exercising were also found, police told the outlet.
‘Even if Ashley Kelly’s original 2014 injury claim was legitimate, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that she continued to accept disability benefits while knowingly misrepresenting her physical condition,’ a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Star said.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Kelly’s for comment.
‘These new charges make it clear that public trust has been broken,’ President of the Clinton County Commissioners Jordan Brewer said in a statement to Wish-TV.
‘For the good of the sheriff’s office and the people of Clinton County, Sheriff Kelly and Matron Kelly should resign immediately.’
Commissioner Kevin Myers added in a statement to the outlet that the incident strained government resources and interfered with the work to serve residents.
‘This is not about politics. It is about accountability,’ he said. ‘The only path forward is for both Richard and Ashley Kelly to step down.’
Ashley’s social media further disproved her claim after investigators discovered numerous photos that show she may not have a disability, including picking up her children, riding horses, changing a tire and parasailing. Ashley is pictured in a photo uploaded on May 9, 2021
The couple were released on an $1,000 cash bond and scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Ashley is seen pictured holding her child in a photo uploaded on November 8, 2018
The investigation prompted queries into the couple’s business, intended to manage the jail commissary, of which Ashley held a 51 percent ownership interest and her husband held 49 percent. Ashley is pictured in a photo uploaded on September 27, 2022
The couple were released on an $1,000 cash bond and scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, records show.
The pair were previously ordered to pay $329,360.47 for improper use of jail commissary funds and the costs of a state audit in 2022, for which they are scheduled to appear in court in May on accusations of misconduct and conflict of interest, the outlet reported.
Both pleaded not guilty, as Richard had described the charges as ‘nothing more than a political farce,’ according to Wish-TV.
Ashley is currently running a campaign as candidate to replace her husband as sheriff, with Richard as ‘a vital partner,’ the announcement said.
