The audio recording you are about to hear is the fifth 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 fifth recording begins with:

(00:00) Administrative Hearing Officer - Attorney Michelle Cooper - provides instructions for closing arguments

(00:17) Attorney Adam Brower, representing Deputy Trump, begins closing arguments.

(13:59) Attorney Tonya Bond, representing Sheriff Kelly, begins closing arguments.

(25:07) Attorney Cooper provides instructions for deadlines to Attorney Brower and Attorney Bond.

(27:14) Meeting adjourned by Merit Board president John Wright

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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