Overview
- A 12-member jury was seated and the criminal trial opened in Cleburne after court proceedings on June 23, 2026.
- King faces charges including official oppression, two counts of retaliation and perjury tied to accusations that he sexually harassed a female employee.
- Deputy Chief James Saulter testified that after he reported the harassment complaint he was disciplined, forced to walk home in extreme heat and had his movements tracked, which prosecutors say shows retaliation.
- King remains the elected sheriff but has placed himself on administrative leave and previously fired Saulter; defense lawyers say Saulter had personal and political motives for his accusations.
- Two other criminal matters involving the same accuser are in pre-trial status and the current trial is expected to run several days with possible prison exposure of two to ten years and fines if King is convicted.