The audio recording you are about to hear is the first of five recordings from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Merit Board hearing on the evening of Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

The Merit Board met in public to hear charges brought by Sheriff Richard Kelly on Deputy Melissa Trump and to hear Deputy Trump’s defense.

Sheriff Kelly recommended Deputy Trump be terminated following allegations of underage drinking at her residence and dishonesty during the ensuing internal investigation.

Deputy Trump is alleged to have violated Merit Board Rules and Regulations and alleged to have violated policies contained within the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Policy Manual.

This first recording begins with:

(00:00) Opening statement from Merit Board president John Wright followed by opening statements from:

(01:59) Attorney Tonya Bond, representing Sheriff Kelly; and,

(07:09) Attorney Adam Brower, representing Deputy Trump.

(14:57) The first witness called by Attorney Bond was Clinton County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer.

(22:49) Cross examination of Prosecutor Sommer by Attorney Brower

(32:09) Re-direct of Prosecutor Sommer by Attorney Bond

(36:23) Re-cross of Prosecutor Sommer by Attorney Brower

(37:05) The second witness called by Attorney Bond was Clinton County Sheriff Office Detective Lieutenant Dan Roudebush. Detective Roudebush conducted the internal investigation.

This recording captures the audio from evidence introduced by Attorney Bond when played for the Merit Board.

The evidence included body camera footage provided by the Noblesville Police Department, in addition to audio from Detective Roudebush’s internal investigation interview of Deputy Trump and Deputy Trump’s pre-polygraph and post-polygraph interview with West Lafayette Police Officer Aron Thompson.

(44:56) Audio from body camera - NPD Officer Lane Snyder

(46:38) Audio from body camera - NPD Officer Krystal Watters

(47:22) Audio from body camera - NPD Officer Christopher Heselschwerdt

(49:44) Audio from body camera - NPD Officer Matt Whiles

(52:43) Audio from body camera - NPD Officer Matt Lohrey

(01:07:08) Audio from Lt. Roudebush internal investigation interview with Deputy Trump

(01:41:35) Audio from WLPD Officer Thompson pre-polygraph interview with Deputy Trump

(01:50:45) Audio from WLPD Officer Thompson post-polygraph interview with Deputy Trump

Note: The audio has been edited to enhance the audio level. No statements were edited.

Each audio session ends when a break is called and the next audio session begins when called to order.

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