From The Baltimore Sun
From The Baltimore Sun
Ravens' J. Lewis indicted on federal drug charges
Star running back accused of conspiring to distribute cocaine in summer of 2000; FBI agent says informant recorded phone conversation concerning price of narcotics
The Associated Press
Originally published February 25, 2004, 5:30 PM EST
ATLANTA - Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who had the second highest rushing total in NFL history last season, was indicted Wednesday on federal drug conspiracy charges.
The 25-year-old Atlanta native is accused of conspiring to distribute cocaine from June 23, 2000, to July 19, 2000.
Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of a cocaine and using a cellular phone in the commission of the first count, U.S. Attorney William S. Duffey announced at a news conference.
FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley stated in an affidavit that an informant contacted Lewis concerning the cocaine and recorded the conversation.
"The cooperating source told Lewis that he/she was willing to sell the narcotics to Lewis' associates for a price that Lewis can tax," meaning the price could be marked up for a profit, Mahaley said in the affidavit.
"And Lewis responded 'Yeah,'" the affidavit said.
Duffey said Lewis is expected to turn himself into authorities tomorrow.
"Mr. Lewis is expected to travel to Atlanta immediately and surrender," Duffey said.
The indictment came out of a drug investigation in an Atlanta neighborhood that has led to 30 convictions and helped dismantle a cocaine-trafficking ring in the city, Duffey said.
Duffey would not comment on whether Lewis was tied to that drug ring.
The same indictment naming Lewis also accused 26-year-old Angelo Jackson of the same counts.
Duffey refused to answer any questions regarding the indictment.
Lewis' lawyer Ed Garland did not immediately return repeated telephone calls to his office seeking comment Wednesday.
