In a dramatic turn of events in Johnson County, Texas, longtime Sheriff Adam King was arrested and booked into the jail he oversees following a grand jury indictment on multiple charges related to retaliation and sexual harassment.
According to Breitbart, King faces two felony charges for retaliating against a witness and one misdemeanor charge involving abuse of office after a Texas Rangers investigation stemming from an internal complaint was referred by county officials to an outside agency for independent review.
The investigation began after a sheriff’s office employee filed a complaint in late June. On June 30, Johnson County officials initiated the process by referring the matter to the Texas Rangers from another region to ensure impartiality in the investigation. The Rangers’ probe lasted several weeks and led to the case being presented to a grand jury.
Sheriff Accused of Inappropriate Comments and Retaliation
On August 27, a grand jury convened and handed down three indictments against King. Two of the charges are third-degree felonies of retaliation, while the third is a Class A misdemeanor for official oppression. These allegations include claims of inappropriate physical and verbal conduct with female subordinates and targeted retaliation against individuals who reported the behavior.
After the indictments, King was arrested and brought to the Johnson County jail, the same facility under his authority as sheriff. A judge set his bail at $25,000. King secured release by posting bond and left the premises in a vehicle issued by the county.
As part of his release conditions, King is not permitted to contact the complaining witnesses, access county buildings, or possess a firearm while off duty. Despite the charges, King remains in office during his third elected term as sheriff, although another official has been named to fill in for him temporarily.
Statements Surface Detailing Harassment Allegations
County Judge Christopher Boedeker confirmed that local officials had taken immediate steps once the allegations surfaced, including referring the investigation to an external law enforcement division. “As soon as county officials were made aware of the allegations, we referred the case to Texas Rangers to ensure an independent investigation,” he said.
According to details from the indictment, King allegedly told a female employee that if she continued losing weight, he would be tempted to act inappropriately toward her. In another instance, he allegedly made a crude reference about what he used to do to women wearing certain clothing. His reported statement regarding early work hours and clothing was also presented as evidence of harassment.
Additional accusations include comments directed toward women's appearances, purchases of items such as jewelry, and frequent meals with women who spent time with him. King allegedly commented to one woman, “You look good... you look really good,” and to another group he said, “Don’t tell your husbands sheriff puts his cream in your tea.”
Closed-Door Meetings and Alleged Abuse of Power
King reportedly held extended one-on-one meetings in his private office with certain female subordinates, raising further concern within the office. In one incident, he allegedly made a suggestive remark while removing his ankle holster, drawing attention to his leg and referencing a deputy’s wife in the process.
Beyond the harassment allegations, the indictments also allege that King took unlawful personnel actions against his chief deputy in response to the complaint being filed. These actions were cited as violations of the Texas Whistleblower Act, according to court documents.
The retaliation charges filed against King are classified as third-degree felonies, which are punishable by a prison term ranging from two to 10 years under Texas law. The misdemeanor charge of official oppression carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail.
Acting Leadership Installed as Case Unfolds
Captain Ben Arriola has been assigned to act in King’s place while the legal proceedings move forward. The sheriff’s office and the county district attorney’s office both redirected further inquiries to the office of the county judge.
Although King has not stepped down from his position at this time, Boedeker stated, “I have not received a resignation from him at this point.” When asked about the broader implications, Boedeker emphasized due process while affirming the integrity of the legal process, adding, “I think we trust the criminal justice system to do the right thing and find the truth, and while Mr. King is entitled to a presumption of innocence, no one is above the law.”
King had previously served in a prominent role as commander of a state-led anti-human trafficking task force, adding to the shock within the policing community over the nature of the charges now filed against him.
Legal Next Steps and Public Response
It remains unclear at this stage whether King will voluntarily resign or be removed from his position pending trial. His continued presence in office, albeit with restricted access and authority, has raised eyebrows as the public awaits further developments.
As Johnson County residents and local officials process the escalating controversy, the case appears poised to test both the strength of local governance and community trust in law enforcement leadership. Multiple sources have acknowledged the seriousness of the charges while reaffirming the principle of a fair trial.
King’s next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks, with legal observers watching closely for developments in what has become one of the most high-profile cases facing a Texas law enforcement official this year.
