A Texas sheriff, previously taken into custody and detained in his own jail by his deputies in August due to allegations of harassing female staff and retaliating against whistleblowers, now faces an additional felony perjury charge. A judge has allowed him to resume work under stringent conditions while he awaits his trial next year.

FOX 4 Dallas reported that Johnson County Sheriff Adam King, already facing indictments for sexual harassment and retaliation, was charged on Thursday with aggravated perjury after allegedly lying to a grand jury.

During his arraignment on Thursday, King entered a not guilty plea to all charges. The judge scheduled his trial for August 3, 2026, but the date may be advanced if both parties are prepared.

Though King had initially taken a leave of absence after his arrest, the judge decided on Thursday that he could return to his duties as the case advances. According to the judge’s order, he can only occupy his office three days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as stated by FOX 4.

Johnson County, Texas Sheriff Adam King pleaded not guilty to several charges in court Thursday. (iStock)

At a tea-time event he hosted for female employees, King allegedly commented, “Don’t tell people/your husbands, [the] sheriff puts his cream in your tea,” according to accusations.

Following complaints of harassment by two staff members, court documents claim King retaliated by making threats, including telling one woman she risked arrest.

He was arrested in August on the initial charges, with his own deputies booking him into the county jail before he posted bond.

After placing himself on leave, Capt. Ben Arriola, his deputy, took over as acting sheriff, FOX 4 reported.