Jamal Lewis

Lewis pleaded guilty in October 2004 to using a cellular telephone to facilitate a drug transaction — specifically, to helping broker a cocaine deal for his childhood friend Angelo Jackson. The underlying incident occurred on June 23, 2000, just weeks after Lewis had been selected fifth overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Draft. An FBI informant contacted Lewis by cell phone to discuss arranging a cocaine sale to Lewis and Jackson; Lewis and Jackson subsequently met the informant at an Atlanta restaurant, where both conversations were recorded. No drugs ever changed hands. Federal prosecutors initially charged Lewis with two counts: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (which carried a statutory minimum of ten years) and using a cell phone in furtherance of that conspiracy. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the conspiracy and attempted cocaine possession charges, leaving only the communications count to which Lewis admitted guilt.