Charles Kelton Charged With First‑Degree Sexual Abuse

Former Trimble County Sheriff Charles Kelton, 53, turned himself in on Nov. 1 after an arrest warrant accused him of sexually abusing a woman in the Trimble County Attorney’s Office on Feb. 21, 2025 while on duty and in uniform. The warrant says Kelton admitted to grabbing the woman’s hips and pulling her against her despite her physical and verbal rejection; he is charged with first‑degree sexual abuse (a felony) and official misconduct. Kelton reported to the Oldham County jail and was released the same day on a $5,000 surety bond, ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim and placed on home incarceration; his next court appearance is set for Nov. 6. Kelton had served as Trimble County sheriff since 2017 and retired effective July 31, 2025 after county officials said they were advised not to remove him based solely on allegations. The Kentucky State Police and the County Attorney’s Office are investigating, and local officials say they are cooperating while emphasizing due process as the matter proceeds.