Former KY sheriff charged with sexually abusing a woman while on-duty
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Former Trimble County sheriff Kelton charged with first-degree sexual abuse and misconduct.
- Alleged incident occurred Feb. 21 in the county attorney’s office while he wore uniform.
- Kelton turned himself in, released on $5,000 surety bond, placed on home incarceration.
A former Kentucky sheriff is accused of sexually abusing a woman while he was on duty and in uniform, according to media reports out of Louisville.
WAVE reported that Charles Kelton, former sheriff of Trimble County, admitted to grabbing a woman’s hips and pulling her against him despite her rejection in her office at the Trimble County Attorney’s Office on Feb. 21.
Trimble County Judge-Executive John Ogburn Jr. said his office learned of the allegations in February. Kelton remained the county’s sheriff until his retirement on July 31 based on advice from the Kentucky Association of Counties and the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, according to a news release from Ogburn.
Kelton, 53, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and official misconduct, according to WDRB. He turned himself in to the Oldham County jail and was released later that day on a $5,000 surety bond.
Kelton is ordered to not contact the alleged victim and was placed on home incarceration, according to WDRB. His next scheduled court appearance is on Thursday.
The Trimble County Sheriff’s Office, now led by Sheriff Greg Clifford, said in a statement that the office recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is fully cooperating with the Kentucky State Police and the Trimble County Attorney’s Office.
“We will support their efforts by providing all necessary information and assistance to facilitate a thorough and fair process,” Clifford said in the statement. “I can assure you that our office will be fully transparent throughout this investigation, myself and our Deputies and staff will continue to protect and serve our community.”
