Two Smith County Sheriff’s Office Employees Placed on Leave

TYLER Two Smith County Sheriff’s Office employees have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a current administrative and criminal investigation. According to a news release from SCSO, Josh and Krista Caulkins were both placed on administrative leave by Chief Deputies Robert Carlson and Fred Little Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. The investigation was initiated regarding an alleged fictitious college degree being submitted on behalf of Josh Caulkins which would qualify him for additional compensation.

Officials say an internal administrative investigation was conducted at the direction of Sheriff Larry Smith. Upon completion of the administrative investigation, Sheriff Smith contacted Texas Ranger Brent Davis and requested he conduct a criminal investigation into the matter. Officials say that investigation has been ongoing for some time and is nearing completion. According to authorities, the case is expected to be presented to a Smith County Grand Jury in the near future and these suspensions will be reevaluated pending those results. Due to this being an ongoing criminal investigation, officials say no additional information will be available at this time.