Kenedy man faces first degree felony charges

Karnes County Sheriff’s Office officers working with two other agencies arrested a Connally Unit corrections officer who now faces a charge related to smuggling large quantities of cocaine to prisoners inside the Connally Unit state prison near Kenedy.

Adam Vega, 21, of Kenedy was arrested on March 27 and is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (cocaine) in the amount of over four grams and less than 28 grams – a first-degree felony charge.

Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka said the charge was upgraded to a first degree felony due to the fact that Vega was working as a peace officer at the time of the alleged criminal offense.

Offenders convicted on 1st degree felony charges may face a prison term of between 5 and 99 years and a fine up to $10,000.

Police said that prisoners inside the unit arranged with undercover officers to deliver cocaine to Vega who had allegedly agreed to carry the drugs inside the prison unit.

Karnes County Sheriff’s Office personnel worked with officers from the Office of the Inspector General and officers from the San Patricio Sheriff’s Office through the investigation that lasted several months.

Vega was released after posting a $75,000 bond.

The case will be presented to a Karnes County grand jury for consideration on April 9.