Jury selection begins Monday in criminal trial of Johnson County sheriff

Prosecutors allege Sheriff Adam King retaliated against a chief deputy who reported alleged misconduct to law enforcement.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the criminal trial of Johnson County Sheriff Adam King, who is accused of retaliating against a chief deputy who reported alleged misconduct to law enforcement authorities.

King was indicted in August 2025 on a charge of corrupt influence. Prosecutors claim King violated the Texas Whistleblower Act by taking adverse personnel action against Salter after Salter reported alleged official oppression by King to law enforcement authorities.

Under Texas law, public employees are protected from retaliation for reporting alleged violations of law to appropriate authorities

King has denied wrongdoing.

Court records show Salter was later terminated from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.

In a termination letter signed by King, Salter was accused of insubordination, failing to attend an internal affairs interview, falsifying time sheets, and other policy violations.

King faces two additional criminal cases stemming from separate allegations involving another employee. Prosecutors allege King sexually harassed the employee and later retaliated against her after she reported the conduct. King has denied those allegations.