Sheriff King battles charges of retaliation and official oppression linked to sexual harassment allegations. He has previously denied the allegations against him.
JOHNSON COUNTY, Texas — A Johnson County courtroom was packed Thursday for a hearing involving multiple pretrial motions in the criminal case against Sheriff Adam King.
The longtime elected official is battling charges after allegations surfaced from employees at the law enforcement agency. Sheriff King arrived at the courthouse alongside his wife and spoke briefly about the emotional toll the case had taken on his family.
“Well, I’m just ready to get my name cleared. We are ready for this to be over. It’s taking a toll on us,” Sheriff King said, “The Lord has given us strength.”
A grand jury indicted King on charges that include retaliation against a witness and official oppression tied to sexual harassment allegations. King has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.
During Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to find King in violation of a court order prohibiting him from having direct or indirect contact with alleged victims in the case.
The issue stems from King’s recent firing of former Chief Deputy James Saulter. According to court discussions, Saulter was contacted about attending an internal affairs investigation meeting before being terminated for failing to appear.
King’s criminal trial had been scheduled to begin next week. However, the judge granted prosecutors a continuance after the district attorney’s office cited newly discovered evidence in the case.
King’s attorney, Bill Mason, said he is ready for the case to move forward.
“I feel good. The case needs to go to trial. It needs to get in front of a jury, and we’re headed that way,” Bill Mason said.
Several Johnson County residents attended the hearing in support of the sheriff. There were fewer people in court supporting the alleged victims in the case.
During the pretrial motions, several witnesses were called to the stand, including Texas Ranger Patrick Benjamin Garcia, Acting-Sheriff Ben Arriola, and Super Attorney Christopher Cooke, who serves as the defense attorney for James Saulter.
The district attorney declined to comment after court proceedings ended. Attorneys representing Saulter also argued the judge should hold King accountable for allegedly violating court-ordered conditions.
Both sides are expected back in court on June 22 for jury selection. The judge has set aside about a week for the trial.