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Dubois Today
By the People, for the People
Dubois County Sheriff Faces Charges for Misusing Funds
Kleinhelter accused of spending jail commissary money on personal expenses
Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:14pm
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The harsh lighting and dramatic close-up of law enforcement equipment in this image conceptually reflects the serious allegations against the Dubois County Sheriff.Dubois TodayDubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter has been charged with three counts of false informing and one count of official misconduct following a criminal investigation into how jail commissary funds were used. Authorities allege Kleinhelter spent money on personal expenses, including golf outings, meals, and airline tickets, and failed to promptly return a refund of over $14,000 to the commissary fund.
Why it matters
The charges against Sheriff Kleinhelter raise concerns about the misuse of public funds and the abuse of power by elected officials. As the top law enforcement officer in the county, the sheriff is entrusted with upholding the law and maintaining the public's trust, making these allegations particularly troubling.
The details
Court records show that Kleinhelter is accused of spending jail commissary funds on personal expenses, including golf outings, meals, and airline tickets for a canceled trip. Investigators say he later received a refund of more than $14,000 for the airline tickets, but the money was not returned to the commissary fund for several months. Authorities also allege that Kleinhelter made false statements when questioned about these expenses.
- The criminal investigation into Kleinhelter's actions began in 2026.
- Kleinhelter was charged with three counts of false informing and one count of official misconduct on April 9, 2026.
The players
Tom Kleinhelter
The Dubois County Sheriff who has been charged with multiple counts related to the misuse of jail commissary funds.
Marion County Prosecutor's Office
The office that filed the charges against Kleinhelter and is leading the investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.
What they’re saying
“The cases focus on alleged violations of public trust.”
— Marion County Prosecutor
What’s next
The judge will decide on Kleinhelter's bail status at a hearing on April 16, 2026.
The takeaway
The charges against Sheriff Kleinhelter underscore the importance of government officials being held accountable for the proper use of public funds and the need for robust financial oversight and transparency in law enforcement agencies.
