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

A Texas sheriff arrested by his own deputies and booked into his own jail in August after accusations of harassing female employees and retaliating against whistleblowers now faces a third charge of aggravated perjury, though a judge has ruled he may return to work under strict conditions while awaiting trial next year.

FOX 4 Dallas reported that Johnson County Sheriff Adam King, already indicted on sexual harassment and retaliation charges, was hit Thursday with a third aggravated perjury count stemming from allegations he lied to a grand jury.

King pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment Thursday. The judge set his trial for Aug. 3, 2026, though the date could be moved earlier if both sides are ready.

King had placed himself on leave after his arrest, but the judge ruled Thursday he could return to work while the case proceeds. Under the order, he may only be in his office three days a week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., FOX 4 reported.

During a tea-time gathering he hosted for female staff, King allegedly told them, “Don’t tell people/your husbands, [the] sheriff puts his cream in your tea.”

After two employees reported the harassment, court documents allege that King retaliated by threatening them, including telling one woman he would have her arrested.

He was arrested in August on the initial charges, with his own deputies booking him into the county jail before he posted bond.

After placing himself on leave, Capt. Ben Arriola, his deputy, took over as acting sheriff, FOX 4 reported.