Former Juvenile Correctional Officer Jacquevias Watkins, 34. (Source: Office of Inspector General Texas Juvenile Justice Department)
EDINBURG, Texas - A former Juvenile Correctional Officer faces two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted on a charge of bribery.
According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), 34-year-old Jacquevias Watkins was arrested after an investigation by the OIG and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department in June 2024.
Officials say while Watkins was working as a correctional officer at the Evins Regional Juvenile Center in Edinburg, he hid an electronic cigarette and gave it to a juvenile who was in custody. Investigators learned Watkins was paid in cash to get the e-cigarette to the juvenile.
Watkins was arrested on Oct. 1, 2024. The alleged offense is a 2nd degree felony.
This case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecution Unit.