Former Deputy Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

TYLER � According to the office of Magistrate Judge John D. Love with the Tyler federal court, former Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Kimbrick Bernard Jones, 38, has pleaded not guilty to drug charges. Jones was arrested July 10, on reports he was on duty when he allegedly sold drugs from his county patrol unit. Sheriff Larry Smith told KETK he heard rumors when he took office that Jones had been selling crack cocaine while on duty. “We got enough information on him two months ago to begin an investigation,” said Smith. The investigation included officials with the Sheriff’s department, as well as the Narcotics Unit, FBI, and Texas Rangers.

The charges Jones faces are as follows:

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and less than 28 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.

Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of less than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Use, carrying, and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of less than 28 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.

Use, carrying, and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.