The Clinton County Sheriff Merit Board Meeting Wednesday Evening Centered on Ongoing Investigations, Public Demands for Accountability and Call for Legislative Reform.
At the April 15 meeting of the Clinton County Sheriff Merit Board held in the Clinton County Annex building, community concerns and calls for leadership accountability dominated the discussion as board members reiterated the limits of their authority amid ongoing internal and state-level investigations involving Sheriff Rich Kelly and other department personnel.
Board Clarifies Its Role
Merit Board President Mark Palmer opened the meeting by citing Indiana law requiring each county to maintain a sheriff’s merit board to oversee hiring, promotions, and major disciplinary actions of merit deputies—full-time, sworn officers hired through a formal merit system rather than political appointment.
“The merit board system is designed to promote professionalism, due process, and a measure of independence in personnel decisions,” Merit Board President Mark Palmer explained. “With that said, I would ask that no one direct questions to me or other board members regarding Sheriff Richard Kelly and Matron Ashley Kelly.”
The sheriff was absent from the session, submitting notice in advance that he would not attend or present new business. Detective Dan Roudebush told the board that the department’s internal investigation was “still progressing forward,” confirming that “there is also a separate investigation being conducted by the Indiana State Police.”
Community Raises Allegations and Concerns
During public comment, former detective Matt Feterick delivered a lengthy statement outlining his opinion that Sheriff Kelly has lost his ability to lead, calling for Sheriff Kelly’s resignation. Feterick, who said he served 16 years in the department, alleged mismanagement of federal COVID relief funds and improper handling of evidence during investigations.
“Integrity is everything,” Feterick stated. “Sheriff Kelly has lost the confidence of the department, the community, and my respect. I ask him to step down immediately.”
Feterick also urged the merit board to explore legal means to prevent the sheriff from receiving a county pension, emphasizing that the sheriff “cannot currently do the job of sheriff… He is working another job and essentially a part-time sheriff drawing a full-time salary.”
Questions About Department Operations
Audience members pressed for clarification on the employment status of Captain Matt Myers, who is reportedly under investigation. When asked, Detective Dan Roudebush confirmed Myers is currently assigned to duties within the jail.
“Our highest-paid, merited deputy is working in the jail,” resident Jeff Coomer remarked, drawing acknowledgment from board members that they could not discuss personnel matters until an official disciplinary case is brought before them.
“The sheriff can suspend a deputy up to 15 days,” board President Palmer explained. “If anything goes beyond that, it must come to us. Until that time, we have to stay neutral.”
Frustration Over Limited Oversight
Community member Lisa Myers voiced concern that the ongoing inquiries focus narrowly on certain individuals within the department. “The person who needs to be here to answer questions isn’t here,” Myers said. “This is a one-sided investigation.”
County Council member Carol Price was later invited to address the room to clarify the broader legal framework. She emphasized that under Indiana law, neither county officials nor the merit board can remove a sitting sheriff or matron.
“The only people who can remove a sheriff are the General Assembly through impeachment or the courts through a felony conviction,” Price said. “That’s why I’ve reached out to our legislators asking them to reform these outdated laws. We need modernization so situations like this don’t happen again.”
Price added that the council has asked for Sheriff Kelly and Matron Kelly to be removed from any financial responsibilities within county government during the ongoing investigations.
Deputies and Dispatchers Express Commitment
Despite the controversy, rank-and-file deputies and dispatchers offered brief updates on standard operations. Sergeant Ben Knapp reported that the department recently completed emergency vehicle operation (EVO) training for three new hires.
A dispatcher who spoke near the end of the meeting defended her colleagues, urging citizens not to conflate the broader department with current leadership issues. “The deputies and jail staff come to work every day and do their job,” she said. “They’re not the same as the people who created this mess.”
The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.
391 Unique Viewers watched the meeting on Hoosierland TV. Combined with the Clinton County Youtube Channel, over 1000 viewers watched the meeting on line.
To watch the Clinton County Sheriff’s Merit Board Meeting as broadcast on Hoosierland TV, CLICK HERE
Meeting is also available via the County YouTube channel and can be watched here: