Johnson County Sheriff Adam King Returns to Work Amidst Corruption Charges
A judge on Thursday allowed embattled Johnson County Sheriff Adam King to return to work as he awaits trial on felony corruption charges.
Under the initial conditions of his bond, King was prohibited from coming within 300 feet of the place of business or employment of the alleged victims in the case, one of whom is a chief deputy with the sheriff’s department. This meant King couldn’t go near the sheriff’s office, the Johnson County jail, the Guinn Justice Center or the Johnson County courthouse apart from appearing for his case, according to court records.
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Background of the Case
King’s lawyers filed a motion to amend his bond conditions last month, arguing that the “unnecessary” conditions effectively removed him from office.
The motion also said since the Republican had thrice been elected sheriff of the county, he had earned the trust of the community and the right to do his job.
Crime in The News
“Such bond condition effectively removes Sheriff King from his duly elected office as Sheriff of Johnson County and is contrary to the will of the citizens and voters of Johnson County,” the motion argued.
New Bond Conditions
On Thursday, Judge John Weeks approved the motion to amend the conditions. Under King’s new bond conditions, he is not allowed to have direct contact with a list of individuals, including the chief deputy he is accused of retaliating against and County Judge Christopher Boedecker, unless it is through Ben Arriola, a captain at the sheriff’s office who was appointed acting sheriff after King’s arrest.
King will also only be allowed to work three days per week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to court records. King is also not allowed to access various systems used by the sheriff’s office, such as video surveillance systems, GPS systems or background check systems, must submit to drug and alcohol testing and must order Arriola to appoint a “chaperone” for King to accompany him while he is at work.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement the day after King’s arrest, which said King was voluntarily placing himself on leave “in the interest of transparency and to allow the legal process to proceed without distraction.” Arriola was then appointed acting sheriff.
Reaction to the Ruling
King’s attorney Bill Mason said in an email that King is “very happy” to return to his position as sheriff.
“He is anxious to proceed to trial and expects to be vindicated of all allegations,” Mason said.
Arriola said in an email that King intends to return to work “in a limited capacity” beginning on Monday.
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Charges Against King
King was arrested in late August after he was indicted on charges alleging he sexually harassed female employees of the sheriff’s office and then retaliated against them and other employees for reporting his alleged conduct to human resources. King was indicted again earlier this week on an aggravated perjury charge after he allegedly made a false statement to the grand jury the day he was initially indicted.
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Mason has called the investigation into King “politically motivated.” Supporters of King have also taken to rallying in his support, calling his arrest “unjust persecution.”
Conclusion
The case against Johnson County Sheriff Adam King is ongoing, with King set to return to work in a limited capacity. The new bond conditions imposed by Judge John Weeks will restrict King’s activities and interactions while he awaits trial. King’s attorney and supporters maintain that the charges against him are unfounded and that he will be vindicated in court.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Johnson County Sheriff Adam King?
A: King has been indicted on charges alleging he sexually harassed female employees of the sheriff’s office and then retaliated against them and other employees for reporting his alleged conduct to human resources. He has also been indicted on an aggravated perjury charge.
Q: What are the new bond conditions imposed on King?
A: King is not allowed to have direct contact with a list of individuals, including the chief deputy he is accused of retaliating against and County Judge Christopher Boedecker, unless it is through Ben Arriola, a captain at the sheriff’s office. He will only be allowed to work three days per week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and must submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Q: How has King’s attorney responded to the charges?
A: King’s attorney, Bill Mason, has called the investigation into King “politically motivated” and maintains that King will be vindicated in court.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The case against King is ongoing, with King set to return to work in a limited capacity. The trial date has not been set.
