Hempstead County Deputy fired after July traffic stop

HOPE – A Hempstead County Sheriff’s Deputy has been terminated in the aftermath of a recent traffic stop. Deputy Kason Johnson is no longer with the department.

Sheriff James Singleton released the following statement:

“Following an internal review of the incident that occurred on July 25, 2025, it has been determined that Deputy Johnson’s conduct during a recorded traffic stop involving an 81-year-old male violated multiple departmental policies and ethical standards expected of a sworn law enforcement officer.

The body-worn camera footage clearly documents the subject’s confusion and inability to understand the nature of the stop. Rather than exercise patience and professionalism, Deputy Johnson chose to berate the elderly individual, repeatedly using profanity and, most egregiously, referring to him with the term “retarded” in a derogatory and offensive manner.

This type of behavior constitutes Conduct Unbecoming of a Law Enforcement Officer and is in direct conflict with the values, integrity, and public trust we strive to uphold within our agency and community. As a result, Deputy Johnson’s continued employment with this office is no longer tenable.”