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IPFS News Link • Justice and Judges

One of the most corrupt sheriffs in America just got convicted

• http://www.businessinsider.com,CHRISTINA STERBENZ

Indicted in late January 2014, Kelly faced 25 charges, including money laundering and tampering with records from 2008 through 2013. The county suspended him from office in 2013.

While the jury ditched most of the charges with larger implications, such as tampering with records, they held fast to Kelly's long list of corrupt activities, finding him guilty on eight counts of theft, perjury, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Kelly, in his sixth year as sheriff, claims he used the stolen funds to compensate informants helping him investigate illegal drug activity.

The jury, however, agreed that the former sheriff pocketed the cash from police vehicle sales as well as converted campaign check for his personal use. He spent the money, almost $14,000 intended to keep the department running, on meals, Ohio University polo shirts, and a retirement party.

"This is a public corruption case. This is a serious case. What we allege is a pattern, a long-standing pattern," Ohio attorney general Mike Dewine, who brought the charges, told the local NBC affiliate.

1 Comments in Response to

Comment by Lucky Red
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And in exchange for that, he'll probably get a slap on the wrist (which will not include fines or community service) and a retirement with full benefits. Now, who says that crime doesn't pay?