WCSO EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH INMATE
WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail employee has been arrested following a criminal investigation revealing she engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate at the Walton County Jail.
On February 18th, WCSO investigators received information regarding an inappropriate relationship between Kelly Jo Johnson, 56, of Bonifay, a kitchen employee at the Walton County Jail, and an inmate assigned to kitchen duties. The information prompted an internal and criminal investigation.
Investigators conducted a series of interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance video, and collected additional evidence. The investigation determined there was probable cause to believe Johnson engaged in unlawful physical contact with the inmate inside a secured area of the jail and communicated with him outside the scope of her duties using methods intended to evade monitoring.
Johnson was terminated from employment at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, February 27th. She had been with the agency since October 2025.
The evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant was issued for Johnson, who turned herself into the Walton County Jail on March 4 at 10 pm. She is charged with felony sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates.
“These actions are a betrayal of the professionalism and ethical standards we expect of every employee,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “When someone abuses their position of trust, we will take swift and decisive action. No one is above the law – civilian or sworn – who works at this agency.”
Additional administrative reviews remain ongoing. More information will be released once it’s available.