Trimble County leaders comment on arrest of former sheriff on sex abuse charges

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A now-former Trimble County sheriff has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse and official misconduct following an alleged incident earlier this year.

According to court records, former Sheriff Charles Kelton, 53, turned himself in to the Oldham County Detention Center on Saturday. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly happened in February inside the Trimble County Attorney’s Office.

An arrest warrant states Kelton admitted to grabbing a woman’s hips and pulling her against him despite her verbal and physical resistance. He was on duty and in uniform at the time.

Kelton is charged with first degree sexual abuse, which is a felony, and official misconduct. Kelton was released from jail Saturday on a $5,000 surety bond, is not allowed contact with the alleged victim, and was placed on home incarceration. He is due in Trimble County District Court on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Kelton worked for the Trimble County Sheriff’s Office from 2017 until his retirement in July.

In a statement to WDRB, Trimble County Sheriff Greg Clifford said:

“We recognize the seriousness of this situation and understand the concerns it may raise within our community. While these developments are significant, it is important to allow the court system to do its job and ensure that due process is followed.”

Trimble County Judge-Executive John D. Ogburn Jr. told WDRB that Kelton was not removed from his position earlier this year because, at the time, there were only accusations and no charges had been filed. He also released a statement detailing the timeline of allegation.

Trimble County Attorney Crystal Heinz declined to comment on the case.

Residents in Bedford said Kelton was well-known in the small community and had worked to reduce crime during his tenure.

“Charlie and the rest of his crew in the last years have cleaned it up — it’s not as bad as it used to be,” said Bedford resident Robert Green. “Just hope it doesn’t put a black eye on the town.”

Kelton posted a $5,000 bond and is currently on home incarceration. He’s scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.

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