A newly surfaced search warrant sheds light on a recent investigation of the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office.

In May of 2024, the Indiana State Board of Accounts identified an alleged misuse of jail commissary funds during a regular audit. Expenditures from 2021 to 2023 that were outside the Sheriff’s discretionary spending authority led to a special investigation. 

During that span, Dubois County Sheriff Kleinhelter oversaw the jail commissary fund and could authorize its use, at his discretion, under specific categories of expenses. The purchases in question would have required the consent of the Council. The audit found that approval was not given, and the Sheriff was directed to return the funds from his personal accounts. 

The Dubois County Council acts as the treasury of county government. They control department funds, including the county jail and its sheriff, deputies, and employees. WITZ reached out to Council President Michael Kluesner, who responded via text message, “The Dubois County Council believes the misappropriation of funds is a serious matter. The Council has fully cooperated with the Indiana State Police and State Board of Accounts in the investigation of the misuse of public funds by the Dubois County Sheriff. We are grateful for the work and professionalism of these agencies.” 

In the State’s investigation, Dubois County Prosecutor Schroeder requested a special prosecutor to avoid potential conflicts of interest, and Orange County Prosecutor Holly Hudelson was selected. A February 2025 press release from the Sherriff’s Office indicated no charges would be filed against Kleinhelter since the funds had been repaid. It has since been reported (most notably by the Dubois County Free Press) that Kleinhelter then made attempts to obtain reimbursement for the payments. Investigatory documents related to this matter have been made available online for public viewing. 

Council president Kluesner confirmed that that the County Council does not have any items related to the matter on any upcoming public or private agenda, and that it is not currently in communication with the Sheriff’s Office or the Prosecutor’s Office regarding this issue. Kuesner stressed, “The County Council remains committed to open, accountable government, and maintaining public trust in all county fiscal matters. We understand the public concern regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds, and we appreciate the radio station's interest in this matter.” 

WITZ’s calls to the Orange County Prosecutor's Office went unreturned on Thursday. 

All Dubois County government files related to this inquiry are available for public viewing at the Dubois County Clerk’s Office at One Courthouse Square in Jasper. Not all documents are available for viewing online, but all documents can be viewed at the County Clerk's office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8-4, with extended hours on Wednesday until 6 pm. A fee of $1 per page is assessed for printing, with a $3 per page fee for certified documents. A request for digital delivery can also be made.