Two SCSO Employees Resign to Avoid Prosecution

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirms Joshua and Krista Caulkins resigned from their positions last week to avoid prosecution. According to KETK, in return for no prosecution, Joshua Caulkins surrendered his peace officer license for life and will not receive pay for leave in January. He will also pay back any wages earned from his fraudulent degree, according to District Attorney Matt Bingham. The amount owed is around $4,300.

Joshua Caulkins could have faced up to 20 years in prison, but now will only be placed on probation. Meanwhile, Bingham stated it would have been difficult to prosecute his wife, Krista Caulkins. As for the litigation against the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a settlement was reached and the case was dropped.

Last fall, the two employees were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an administrative and criminal investigation. The investigation was initiated regarding an alleged fictitious college degree being submitted on behalf of Joshua 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.