But he remained defiant Friday when served with the indictment, which was handed down by a special grand jury after a state investigation of his office that had lasted some 16 months.
"I'm not stepping down; no plea bargain; no nothing," Kelly declared. "I will absolutely continue (as sheriff)."
That may not be up to him, however. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, whose office handled the investigation, said at a news conference that he will forward Kelly's indictment – as he must do by state law – to the Ohio Supreme Court, to decide whether to suspend Kelly while his criminal case is pending. DeWine stressed that Kelly can fight any suspension decision.
"He is not removed automatically," DeWine said. "He is still sheriff at this moment."
Since it was seated near the middle of last year, the grand jury had met sporadically; Friday was its ninth day of listening to witnesses – of whom it heard more than 25, DeWine said. Finally, on Friday it came out with an indictment, which included:
• 13 counts of theft in office, three of them fourth-degree felonies, and 10 of them fifth-degree felonies;
• four counts of theft, a fifth-degree felony;
• one count of money laundering, a third-degree felony;
• one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony;
• one count of tampering with records, a third-degree felony;
• one count of perjury, a third-degree felony;
• one count of failing to keep a cashbook, an unclassified felony;
• one count of obstructing official business, a second-degree misdemeanor;
• one count of dereliction of duty; a second-degree misdemeanor; and
• one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony.
The last count carries a sentence of three to 11 years in prison; the others carry lesser potential sentences.
I was asked to work on a political campaign on one occasion, he was running for Sheriff, in a nearby county. I had a meeting in Columbus, next day I was "visited" by a retired sheriff from another county, he wondered if I was going to help. He made some comments, I did not help on the campaign. I have had a few occasions to get involved in similar situations .... me advice, DO NOT mess with a sheriff. I have no idea whether this one is guilty or not, my guess would be YES, but don't tell him I mentioned it ............., please.
