Walton County, FL — A Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail employee has been arrested following an investigation that revealed she allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, investigators received information on February 18 regarding an inappropriate relationship between 56-year-old Kelly Jo Johnson of Bonifay and an inmate assigned to kitchen duties at the Walton County Jail.
Johnson was employed as a kitchen worker at the jail.
Authorities launched both an internal and criminal investigation after receiving the report.
Investigators conducted multiple interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance footage, and gathered additional evidence.
The investigation found probable cause to believe Johnson had unlawful physical contact with the inmate inside a secured area of the jail. Investigators also determined she communicated with the inmate outside the scope of her duties using methods designed to avoid monitoring.
Johnson was terminated from her position with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on February 27. She had been employed with the agency since October 2025.
The case was presented to the State Attorney’s Office, which issued an arrest warrant for Johnson.
Authorities said Johnson turned herself in at the Walton County Jail on March 4 at approximately 10 p.m.
She is charged with felony sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said the conduct violated the standards expected of sheriff’s office employees.
“These actions are a betrayal of the professionalism and ethical standards we expect of every employee,” Adkinson said. “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.”
Officials said additional administrative reviews remain ongoing.
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