Sheriff Announces Arrest of Patrol Deputy

TYLER – A Smith County patrol deputy has been arrested on two counts of narcotics distribution, a federal violation. A criminal complaint from the U.S. District Court also alleges that suspect Kimbrick Bernard Jones was armed during both drug transactions in question. Wednesday morning at around 5:00, Sheriff Larry Smith led members of the Sheriff’s Office, and was joined by the FBI, Department of Public Safety Troopers, and Texas Rangers, in arresting Jones, 38. Jones’ employment with the Sheriff’s Office was terminated immediately, and he is now in federal custody.

“This investigation began a few months ago, at which time I received information that Kimbrick Jones, a Smith County Patrol Deputy, had sold ‘crack’ cocaine while on duty with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Smith. “Once that information was determined to be credible, at my request and under my direction, an investigation was immediately initiated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Special Services Division – Narcotics Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Rangers. This administration has zero tolerance when it comes to employees violating the law and violating the trust of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Smith County.”

Sheriff Smith said that Jones was being interviewed and the investigation into his past activities is continuing. Jones worked for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on two separate occasions dating back a number of years in both the jail and patrol divisions. “I will add that these are only accusations at this time and we have full trust and confidence in the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas to move this case forward through the criminal justice system,” said Sheriff Smith. Officials say no additional information about this case will be released because of the ongoing investigation.

Smith added, “Law enforcement officers with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office were put on notice by me on January 1 of this year that they will be held to a higher standard than the general public. This is necessary for anyone who is tasked with enforcing the law and who expects to gain the trust and support of the community we serve. “I hope and pray this to be the last of any such incident of this nature by an employee of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. If we are faced with similar situations in the future, let it be known that we will not rest, we will not give up and we will not fail to bring to justice any person with similar disregard for the office they have sworn to uphold.

“I have made numerous promises to the citizens of Smith County, all of which I intend to keep. Many of those promises were discussed in a speech to the citizens of Smith County prior to my taking office. In that speech I said that, ‘Uncertain times demand principled, decisive, experienced law enforcement leadership that will fight crime and corruption. My proven leadership, training, experience, and high ethical standards will build a cohesive and dependable law enforcement team whose number one goal will always be to protect life, liberty, and property.’

“Citizens deserve prompt, courteous response to all calls for assistance; well-prepared officers and investigators who treat each and every crime with the importance it deserves; customer service delivered with a sense of business urgency; a law enforcement team with the right support, the right tools, and the mindset to serve with dignity, honor, and respect for citizens and the rule of law. Under my leadership, the sheriff’s office will reflect strong community values, conservative principles, constitutional government, good character, and integrity. I have set high standards and will consistently hold all employees accountable for their conduct and service.”

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said, “The allegations of drug dealing set out in the complaint are, alone, extremely serious and deserving of investigation. However, the fact that the accused individual is a sworn peace officer makes this case urgent, and we will apply all of our available resources to resolve the matter. I appreciate and commend Sheriff Larry Smith’s vigilance and cooperation in what is a difficult situation. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is a proud and distinguished law enforcement organization and it will only become stronger as it works through this case with the Texas Rangers and the FBI.” If convicted, Jones faces up to 20 years for each drug distribution violation and a minimum of five years for a firearms violation.