East Texas Deputy Accused of Selling Drugs on Duty

TYLER, Texas (AP) — An East Texas sheriff's deputy has been accused of selling methamphetamine and crack cocaine while on duty.

Smith County sheriff's Deputy Kimbrick Bernard Jones has been charged with two counts of narcotics distribution. He was arrested early Wednesday at the Smith County Jail sallyport.

At a news conference, Sheriff Larry Smith said officers found drugs in Jones' patrol car, Jones was advised of the charges and he was terminated.

Jones was turned over to federal authorities for prosecution. If convicted, the 38-year-old Tyler man could receive up to 20 years in prison for each drug count and at least five years in prison for a firearms count.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office said she did not know where Smith was being detained or if he has an attorney.