WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail employee has been arrested after investigators said she engaged in sexual misconduct with an inmate inside the Walton County Jail.
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The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said Kelly Jo Johnson, 56, of Bonifay, has been charged with felony sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates.
Investigators said the case began on February 18 after information was received about an allegedly inappropriate relationship between Ms Johnson, who worked in the jail kitchen, and an inmate assigned to kitchen duties.
According to the WCSO, the information prompted both an internal and criminal investigation.
Investigators said they conducted interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance video, and collected other evidence as part of the investigation.
Authorities said the investigation found probable cause to believe Ms Johnson reportedly engaged in unlawful physical contact with the inmate inside a secured area of the jail.
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Investigators also said she is alleged to have communicated with the inmate outside the scope of her duties using methods intended to evade monitoring.
Johnson was terminated from her position with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on February 27, the agency said.
According to the WCSO, she had been employed with the agency since October 2025.
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Investigators presented the evidence to the State Attorney’s Office, which issued an arrest warrant.
Authorities said Ms Johnson turned herself in to the Walton County Jail at 10 p.m. on March 4.
“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.”
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said additional administrative reviews remain ongoing and more information may be released as it becomes available.
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