Texas Sheriff Faces Multiple Charges Including Perjury, Allowed Limited Return to Work
In a troubling case of alleged misconduct within law enforcement leadership, Johnson County Sheriff Adam King finds himself in an extraordinary situation – having been arrested by his own deputies and facing serious criminal charges while still technically holding his position of authority. The embattled sheriff now faces three significant charges that could permanently tarnish his career and potentially lead to imprisonment if convicted.
Sheriff King was initially charged with sexual harassment and retaliation against witnesses, stemming from an extensive Texas Rangers investigation. Most recently, prosecutors added a third charge of aggravated perjury, alleging that King lied under oath during grand jury proceedings. During his arraignment on Thursday, King maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. While his trial has been tentatively scheduled for August 2026, both prosecution and defense acknowledged this date could be moved forward if preparations are completed earlier. The lengthy timeline reflects the complexity of the case and the serious nature of the allegations against a sitting law enforcement official.
The sexual harassment allegations against King paint a disturbing picture of a workplace environment where female employees reportedly faced ongoing inappropriate comments and behavior from their superior. According to court documents and investigative findings, King allegedly made repeated remarks about women’s weight, appearance, and clothing choices over a period exceeding 18 months. Some of the more explicit allegations include King telling one female employee that if she continued losing weight, he would “do ungodly things to her,” and making suggestive comments about women wearing white pants. Perhaps most concerning were accusations that King offered special workplace benefits to married women in exchange for spending time with him, and his alleged comment during a tea gathering with female staff that they shouldn’t tell their husbands that “the sheriff puts his cream in your tea” – innuendo that prosecutors say created a hostile work environment.
The situation escalated beyond harassment when two employees reportedly came forward with complaints about King’s behavior. According to court documents, King responded with retaliatory measures, including threatening one woman with arrest. This alleged pattern of intimidation against whistleblowers formed the basis for the retaliation charges. The situation came to a head in August when King faced the humiliating experience of being arrested by deputies from his own department and booked into the jail he oversaw before posting bond. Following his arrest, King placed himself on voluntary leave, with Captain Ben Arriola stepping in as acting sheriff while the legal process unfolds.
In a surprising development, despite the serious nature of the charges, a judge ruled Thursday that King may return to work under strict conditions while awaiting trial. These conditions reflect an attempt to balance the presumption of innocence with concerns about witness intimidation and workplace disruption. King is permitted to be in his office only three days per week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and must use a private entrance to enter and exit the building. Perhaps most significantly, he is barred from any contact with seven witnesses in the case, most of whom are sheriff’s department employees and include some of his accusers. This creates an unusual dynamic where the department’s top official must navigate his workspace while avoiding interaction with multiple staff members.
This case highlights the unique challenges that arise when those entrusted with upholding the law are accused of breaking it. The allegations against Sheriff King are particularly troubling because they involve not just potential criminal behavior, but an alleged abuse of power directed at subordinates who had limited recourse due to his position of authority. As the case proceeds toward trial, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department faces the difficult task of maintaining public trust and operational effectiveness while its leadership remains under this significant cloud. For the accusers and other department employees, the situation creates ongoing tension and uncertainty in their workplace. And for Sheriff King, who maintains his innocence, the coming months and potentially years will determine whether he can salvage his career and reputation or will face conviction on serious felony charges that would permanently end his law enforcement service.
