A judge declared a mistrial Tuesday in the criminal case against Johnson County Sheriff Adam King after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict following two days of deliberations.
The jury began deliberating on Monday afternoon. Earlier Tuesday, the judge issued an Allen charge, a supplemental instruction encouraging jurors to continue deliberating in an effort to reach a unanimous decision, before ultimately declaring a mistrial later that evening.
King is charged with two counts of retaliation and one count of official oppression. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Charges Stem From Workplace Misconduct Allegations
According to an indictment returned by a grand jury in August 2025, King is accused of verbally sexually harassing an employee and creating a workplace environment involving unwanted sexual attention toward female employees.
The indictment also alleges King retaliated against former Johnson County Chief Deputy James Saulter after Saulter reported alleged official oppression to Johnson County officials in June 2025. The allegations were later referred to the Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from current and former employees of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office regarding the department’s workplace culture and the events that led to the criminal charges.
Prosecutors argued King retaliated against Saulter by placing him on administrative leave before ultimately terminating his employment.
The defense maintained that King did not know Saulter had reported the allegations when he placed him on paid administrative leave and argued the decision was made for unrelated reasons.
King’s attorneys rested their case without calling any witnesses.
King Calls Outcome ‘A Win’
Speaking after the mistrial was declared, King expressed relief.
“I’m happy to be with my family, that’s what’s important. I’ll take it as a win,” King said, per WFAA.
Asked about the remaining criminal charges, King said he expects to be acquitted and intends to remain in office.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll continue to do what voters elected me to do,” King said.
Former Chief Deputy Reacts
Saulter, one of the prosecution’s key witnesses, said he accepted the outcome despite the lack of a verdict.
“I’m good with it. 11-1 said it was guilty, and the one said it didn’t, and we just have to live with what our justice system is, and I’m good with that. Live to fight another day,” Saulter told WFAA.
New Trial To Be Scheduled
According to testimony, several outside law enforcement agencies, including the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, were initially asked to investigate the allegations but declined. The investigation was eventually assigned to the Texas Rangers.
A new trial is expected to be scheduled, although no timetable has been announced.
Until then, King will remain Johnson County sheriff under the same bond conditions previously ordered by the court.
