Sheriff Adam King stands confidently before a judge

Johnson County Sheriff Faces Abuse of Office and Witness Retaliation Charges

Johnson County Sheriff Adam King is back in the courtroom, with a pretrial hearing set for Friday as his legal battle intensifies.

Pretrial Hearing Details

The hearing scheduled for Friday focuses on two specific charges brought against King. Court documents outline that the proceedings will address allegations of abuse of office related to sexual harassment and claims of corrupt influence tied to retaliation against a witness. King has maintained a plea of not guilty throughout the process.

Charges and Legal Context

The charges confronting King are:

  • Abuse of office — sexual harassment: This accusation alleges misconduct in the exercise of official duties that includes inappropriate behavior toward individuals under his jurisdiction.
  • Corrupt influence — retaliation against a witness: This claim suggests that King used his position to influence or intimidate a witness in order to affect the outcome of a legal matter.

These charges carry significant legal implications and are the focal point of the upcoming hearing.

Dismissal of Perjury Indictment

Earlier this month, a judge dismissed a perjury indictment that King had previously faced. The dismissal came after a review of the evidence and procedural considerations. King’s attorneys highlighted that the indictment had been obtained illegally, raising questions about the validity of the charges that had been filed.

Attorneys’ Statement

In a statement released to the press, King’s attorneys said the perjury indictment was illegally obtained, adding, \”At this time, it can’t be said whether the indictment was a mistake, negligence, or simply not knowing state law.\”

Media Silence and Public Support

King has declined to speak with the media following earlier hearings, choosing to focus on his legal defense. Despite his silence, the community has rallied in his support. A local group has organized rallies and prayer events for King and his wife, demonstrating visible backing from residents who stand by the sheriff.

Trial Schedule

The trial is currently scheduled to begin on Aug. 3, 2026. This date sets the timeline for the full examination of the charges and will determine the next steps in the legal process for King.

Police badge suspended above city map with red X and subtle gray witness testimony gradient and silhouette of corrupt figure.

Reporting by NBC 5

NBC 5’s Larry Collins has covered the case, providing updates on the hearings and offering context on the legal proceedings. Collins’s reporting has been a primary source of information for the public following the latest developments in the case.

The case remains a focal point of local attention as the legal proceedings continue to unfold, with the community and the broader public awaiting the outcome of the trial set for the summer of 2026.

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