A Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail employee has been arrested after authorities say she engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate inside the Walton County Jail, according to a post on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Investigators say they received information on February 18 about an inappropriate relationship between Kelly Jo Johnson, 56, of Bonifay, and an inmate assigned to kitchen duty at the jail. Johnson was employed as a kitchen worker at the facility.

The allegation sparked both an internal administrative review and a criminal investigation. Authorities say investigators conducted interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance footage, and collected additional evidence as part of the inquiry.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation established probable cause to believe Johnson engaged in unlawful physical contact with the inmate inside a secured area of the jail. Investigators also allege she communicated with the inmate outside the scope of her duties using methods intended to evade monitoring.

Johnson was terminated from her position 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. Johnson turned herself in to the Walton County Jail on March 4 at 10 p.m. She is charged with felony sexual misconduct between a detention facility employee and an inmate.

“These actions are a betrayal of the professionalism and ethical standards we expect of every employee,” Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement. “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, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available.