Statement from Dubois County Sheriff’s Office regarding criminal charges

The Dubois County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement after news came out Thursday that Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter was being charged with several counts related to the investigation into the misappropriation of public funds.

Sheriff Kleinhelter faces one count of official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, and three counts of false informing, all Class B misdemeanors, according to new court records.

See the story here; the statement is below the break.

Today’s announcement of criminal charges filed against Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter in Marion County came as a shock to the Sheriff and to the officers and employees of this office.

As we go forward, we can share two important points:

First, Sheriff Kleinhelter is entitled to defend himself and to go through a legal process that requires the State to prove guilt of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. That is our system, and we respect that process as law enforcement officers and citizens. The process is not always swift, but we support our system of justice.

Second, and important to the citizens of Dubois County, the work of the Sheriff’s Office continues without interruption or distraction. We have a job to do as sworn officers and as public servants and we will do that job with passion and fairness now and always. The pending case does not change our mission or our commitment to it.

Dubois County citizens should feel safe, supported, and confident in the work of the Sheriff’s Office. The officers of the Sheriff’s Office are professionals who will perform their critical duties with competence and integrity while this matter is pending. We will refrain from further public comments in the confidence that our judicial system works.

Tom Kleinhelter Sheriff, Dubois County

Jesus A. Monarrez Chief Deputy

The sheriff’s office said this would be the only statement issued on the matter.