Johnson County sheriff arrested by his own deputies, now faces new charge for lying to grand jury

JOHNSON COUNTY, Texas - Johnson County Sheriff Adam King appeared in court on Thursday after prosecutors added a third charge of aggravated perjury to his existing indictment on sexual harassment and retaliation allegations.

The new charge stems from allegations that King lied to a grand jury.

Sheriff Charged with Lying to Grand Jury

What's New:

King pleaded not guilty on all charges during an arraignment hearing on Thursday morning.

He’s charged with abuse of office, sexual harassment, and retaliation against a witness. On Wednesday, a fourth charge of aggravated perjury was added.

That new perjury charge pertains to King allegedly lying to the grand jury.

What they're saying:

There were a number of people who attended Thursday’s hearing to support the sheriff.

"I’m here to support Adam King. I’ve known him for 23 years… many community service projects, great man. I stand behind him until the court sways my decision some other way," said Jackie Pinkerton, a Johnson County resident and friend.

What's next:

The judge set a trial date for King for Aug. 3, 2026. That date could be moved up by a few months if both sides are ready.

The judge also ruled that King, who put himself on leave after being arrested, can return to work while the case against him makes its way through court.

He will be allowed to resume his duties as the sheriff. But he can only be there for three days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

He’s also not allowed to have contact with seven individuals described as witnesses. Most are sheriff’s department employees, and some are his accusers.

A prosecuting attorney told FOX 4 that King will be required to enter and exit his office at the sheriff’s department through a private entrance.

Sexual Harassment Allegations

Dig deeper:

Sheriff King was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday on a new charge of aggravated perjury, in addition to misdemeanor abuse of office/official oppression by sexual harassment and two felony counts of retaliation against a witness.

The accusations against King span more than 18 months and came to light during an extensive investigation by the Texas Rangers. The indictment accuses King of sexually harassing multiple female employees at the sheriff’s office.

Specific allegations include telling female subordinates they needed to wear makeup to work and making comments about their weight, clothing, and physical appearance. He also allegedly offered benefits or perks to married women who agreed to spend time with him. 

King allegedly remarked to one woman that if she kept losing weight, he would "do ungodly things to her." 

When that same woman wore white slacks to work, King allegedly commented, "Back in my younger days, you wouldn’t want to know what I did to women wearing white pants." 

During a weekly, all-female teatime event he hosted, he allegedly told subordinates, "Don’t tell people/your husbands sheriff puts his cream in your tea."

The court documents also state that King retaliated against the two employees who reported the harassment, including threatening to have one woman arrested.

The backstory:

King was arrested in August on the initial charges. Records show he was arrested by his own deputies and booked into his own jail before posting bond.

At the time of his initial arrest, King put himself on administrative leave. Captain Ben Arriola served as the acting sheriff.