A sheriff in Texas is facing several felony and misdemeanor charges after turning himself in at his local jail in Johnson County this week, following a significant investigation by the Texas Rangers.
Sheriff Adam King has been charged by the Johnson County district judge with multiple counts, including witness retaliation and abuse of official capacity related to sexual harassment, as detailed in a statement from Judge Christopher Bodeker. After his arrest, King was booked into the Johnson County Jail, with bail set at $25,000, leading to his release.
According to Judge Bodeker, the charges stem from a week-long investigation prompted by complaints made by staff within the sheriff’s office, which began on June 30 and was subsequently handed to the Texas Rangers.
“Once county officials became aware of the allegations, we promptly referred the case to the Texas Rangers to guarantee an impartial investigation,” Bodeker stated. He mentioned that the investigation was assigned to the rangers from a neighboring county. “Throughout the investigation, King’s conduct provided grounds for the retaliation charges,” the judge explained. The grand jury convened on August 27 and announced the indictment.
After posting the $25,000 bond, the sheriff was released from jail and reportedly departed in a county-issued vehicle. He is currently prohibited from communicating with the witnesses who made complaints, accessing county facilities, or carrying a firearm while out of sight.
Judge Bodeker noted that the investigation into the sexual harassment claims was initiated to ensure an independent review. The sheriff is still in his elected position, having begun his third term, and has previously held a role as the commander of a South Texas officer and prosecutor’s human trafficking task force.
An excerpt from the indictment regarding the harassment claims outlines several alleged inappropriate remarks and actions by the sheriff:
- He reportedly told a witness to remove her sweater that was covering her blouse and mentioned needing to “escape” before she completed work-related paperwork.
- He allegedly commented, “If you keep losing weight, you’re going to make me do some unpopular things.”
- When informed a female colleague planned to arrive at work early, he remarked, “6am? That’s so early she doesn’t need to wear clothes!”
- He supposedly said another female employee looked “really good.”
- King was accused of pointing at a woman’s bare feet after removing her ankle holster.
- He allegedly commented to his aide about how his wife enjoys looking at his feet.
- In a conversation with female staff, he said, “Don’t tell people the sheriff put his cream in your tea.”
- He reportedly bought jewelry for a female employee and took her to lunch.
- Another female colleague received compliments about her appearance and clothing.
- The sheriff supposedly held long, private meetings with female subordinates in his office.
Another count in the indictment states that King threatened to harm his chief by executing unlawful personnel actions, which breaches the Whistleblower Act. This threat is also considered retaliation following harassment allegations reported to the Texas Rangers. Additionally, he faces charges related to retaliating against the complaining witness.
After the allegations emerged, King supposedly handcuffed the witness and threatened to book her into the county jail.
Judge Bodeker mentioned that, as of now, King has not resigned from his position.
In Texas, the penalty for retaliation charges is a felony that ranges from two to ten years in prison, while official oppression is classified as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
“I trust the criminal justice system will uncover the truth. Mr. King is presumed innocent, but everyone must adhere to the law,” concluded Bodeker. “Captain Ben Ariola has been named to take over his responsibilities temporarily.”
For additional information, inquiries were directed to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, which referred questions to the county judge’s office since county judges act as chief executives.
