On Jan. 9, Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher J. Barnes was arrested by deputy sheriff/investigators of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). The arrest is the result of information which had been developed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). The OCSO shared the information with WCSO in a joint investigative effort. Barnes has been charged with one count of trafficking in oxycontin, one count of trafficking in hydrocodone, one count of obtaining prescriptions by fraud and one count of doctor shopping. All counts are in violation of Florida State Statutes Chapter 893. Barnes was serving as a WCSO deputy at the time of the suspected criminal activity leading to the arrest.
Sheriff Mike Adkinson said, “The arrest of this individual is not a reflection of the good and hard working men and women of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. We have very competent professional deputies and employees who are as concerned as I am in ensuring our members perform to the highest standards. We are all taken back when a member commits such acts. We will always promptly and fairly investigate allegations such as these through our Professional Standards Division taking swift action when appropriate.”