MedStar Ambulance addresses former employee’s arrest in financial crimes investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPARTA, Ill., (KBSI) — MedStar Ambulance Inc. of Illinois is speaking publicly following the arrest of a former employee accused of stealing more than $1 million from the company over several years.

On Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Carrie J. Kelley, 43, of Sparta. Kelley was taken into custody without incident on warrants charging her with two counts of theft of property over $1 million (Class X felonies), one count of wire fraud (Class 3 felony), and four counts of fraudulent filing of Illinois income tax (Class 4 felonies). She was transported to the Randolph County Jail and turned over to correctional staff.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators were first notified in February 2024 of a potential theft involving MedStar Ambulance. A lengthy investigation revealed that more than $1 million had allegedly been taken over several years while Kelley was employed by the company. The Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office assisted in the investigation.

MedStar officials say the situation came to light internally when CEO Charles Kelley received employee complaints regarding the company’s health insurance. While attempting to resolve the issue, he discovered missing and inaccurate information that raised concern. MedStar said two CPA staff members had previously trained the accused employee to manage financial data in a new accounting system, but critical information had been withheld.

After consulting with its CPA, MedStar initiated an internal audit, which found the misappropriation was far more significant than initially believed. The company then asked the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office to take over the investigation to ensure transparency.

“Our priority remains the well-being of our patients and the integrity of our organization,” said owner Deborah Kelley. “We have cooperated fully with law enforcement and have taken all necessary steps to restore trust, placing greater safeguards in place to prevent any recurrence.”

Sheriff’s officials credited investigators for their persistence. “Their continued hard work and determination led to the arrest,” the sheriff said, encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the detective division at 618-826-5484, ext. 506 or 507.

MedStar expressed appreciation to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Revenue, and the Attorney General’s Office for their professionalism and extensive efforts.

The company emphasized it remains committed to providing reliable emergency medical services throughout southwestern Illinois, despite the challenges posed by the investigation.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.