ATLANTA -- NFL star running back Jamal Lewis pleaded not guilty yesterday to federal drug charges he tried to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of "I just want to say it's extremely important to me that my family, my friends, my fans and the Ravens organization know that I am innocent and I thank everyone for their continued support," Lewis said after his hearing at the U.S. District Courthouse.
The Baltimore Ravens player, an Atlanta native, was released on $500,000 US bond on charges that he conspired to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine, during which he used a cell phone in violation of federal law.
Lewis didn't speak during the 15-minute hearing, other than answering "Yes," when asked by the judge and the U.S. attorney if he understood his rights and his plea.
U.S. Magistrate E. Clayton Scofield III said Lewis can travel across the United States while he awaits trial but he ordered him to have no contact with co-defendant Angelo Jackson or government witnesses.
TEN YEARS TO LIFE
If convicted of conspiracy, Lewis could face 10 years to life in prison.
Lewis was escorted into the courtroom by U.S. marshals and flanked by four lawyers. Lewis was not handcuffed.
After the hearing, Lewis stood in the rain and thanked supporters while one of his lawyers, Ed Garland, said that the same recorded telephone conversation being used by federal prosecutors to charge Lewis may prove his innocence.
"They may have omitted things that should have been in there," Garland said. "We believe it will show he is innocent."
Lewis had turned himself in to the FBI yesterday morning, when he was arrested and booked.
Lewis was indicted Wednesday on charges of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the first count.
Garland said Lewis did not try to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of 2000. Garland said a cocaine buy wasn't discussed during a restaurant conversation more than three years ago among Lewis, a boyhood friend, and a woman who turned out to be a police informant.
No drugs were ever purchased, according to the indictment.
"This informant is attempting to set up Jamal Lewis to get out of jail," Garland said. "It is odd that this is coming right after he had a very successful season.
"Sometimes celebrities get targeted because they are in the news."
A statement from the Ravens said Lewis should have a chance to tell his side of the story.
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The Baltimore Ravens player, an Atlanta native, was released on $500,000 US bond on charges that he conspired to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine, during which he used a cell phone in violation of federal law.
Lewis didn't speak during the 15-minute hearing, other than answering "Yes," when asked by the judge and the U.S. attorney if he understood his rights and his plea.
U.S. Magistrate E. Clayton Scofield III said Lewis can travel across the United States while he awaits trial but he ordered him to have no contact with co-defendant Angelo Jackson or government witnesses.
TEN YEARS TO LIFE
If convicted of conspiracy, Lewis could face 10 years to life in prison.
Lewis was escorted into the courtroom by U.S. marshals and flanked by four lawyers. Lewis was not handcuffed.
After the hearing, Lewis stood in the rain and thanked supporters while one of his lawyers, Ed Garland, said that the same recorded telephone conversation being used by federal prosecutors to charge Lewis may prove his innocence.
"They may have omitted things that should have been in there," Garland said. "We believe it will show he is innocent."
Lewis had turned himself in to the FBI yesterday morning, when he was arrested and booked.
Lewis was indicted Wednesday on charges of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the first count.
Garland said Lewis did not try to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of 2000. Garland said a cocaine buy wasn't discussed during a restaurant conversation more than three years ago among Lewis, a boyhood friend, and a woman who turned out to be a police informant.
No drugs were ever purchased, according to the indictment.
"This informant is attempting to set up Jamal Lewis to get out of jail," Garland said. "It is odd that this is coming right after he had a very successful season.
"Sometimes celebrities get targeted because they are in the news."
A statement from the Ravens said Lewis should have a chance to tell his side of the story.
www.canoe.ca
