In our previous post, we noted that former Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd, after having been indicted on six federal drug charges, was charged through a new indictment with only one charge of drug conspiracy. The new charge was intended to broaden and streamline the case against Hurd.
Now, Hurd is reportedly preparing to plead guilty to the federal drug charge, less than one week before the start of his federal drug trial. According to his attorney, “a plea of guilty is in the works” and a re arraignment is scheduled for Thursday in Dallas federal court. At this point, though, Hurd’s trial is apparently still scheduled for Monday in Dallas.
Hurd, who is currently in prison, was charged with drug conspiracy on accusations that he conspired to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana beginning in July 2011 and continuing through June 6, 2012.
Before to the new federal charge, a guilty plea was almost reached last fall, but the negotiations fell apart. Sources weren’t clear why the talks ell apart, but noted that the federal government had filed additional charges of possessing marijuana and cocaine stemming from an arrest while Hurd was out on bond. Hurd had pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The case stems from allegations from police in Denton, Texas, that four men had travelled from California to deliver marijuana to Hurd. Police subsequently discovered drug-related texts between Hurd and two of the men, as well as information indicating that Hurd was operating a drug business.
If convicted, Hurd faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of $10 million.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Plea deal ‘in the works’ again for ex-Bear Hurd,” Jared S. Hopkins, April 9, 2013
