By Staff Report
A former employee of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an inmate at the Walton County Jail.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, investigators began looking into the matter on Feb. 18 after receiving information about an inappropriate relationship between Kelly Jo Johnson, 56, of Bonifay and an inmate assigned to kitchen duties at the jail. Johnson was employed as a kitchen worker at the facility.
The report prompted both an internal and criminal investigation. Investigators conducted multiple interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance footage, and gathered additional evidence.
Authorities said the investigation established probable cause that 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 avoid monitoring.
Johnson was terminated from her position with the sheriff’s office on Feb. 27. According to the agency, she had been employed there since October 2025.
Investigators presented the evidence to the Florida State Attorney’s Office, which issued an arrest warrant. Johnson turned herself in to the Walton County Jail at about 10 p.m. on March 4.
She has been 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 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 sheriff’s office said additional administrative reviews remain ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
AMBER PATINO 