Cincinnati Bengals’ Jerome Simpson Indicted on Felony Marijuana Trafficking Charges

Wide Receiver could face up to 5 years in prison

COVINGTON, KY — Four months after a package of marijuana was allegedly delivered to his home, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson now faces a criminal charge of trafficking marijuana.

This Thursday, a grand jury in Kenton County, Kentucky, indicted Simpson on one felony count of trafficking marijuana, which carries a prison sentence of one to five years.  According to the prosecutor’s office, however, since Simpson does not have a criminal record, he could be eligible for diversion.

In legal context, a defendant can complete a diversion program rather than being indicted or serving an alternate sentence.  This program is usually only offered to defendants charged with misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies involving drugs or alcohol.    After the defendant completes said program, he is dropped of his criminal charges and avoids a criminal conviction.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, Simpson’s girlfriend signed for the package of 2.5 pounds of marijuana that was sent from Eureka, California and delivered to his Kentucky home.

Michelle Gregory, a California Department of Justice spokesperson, stated that a drug-sniffing dog discovered the package in Sacramento, CA, and that the package originated from the well-known pot-growing region known as the Emerald Triangle.

After being alerted to the package, California officials notified police officials in Kentucky, who intercepted and monitored the delivery of the package.  Airport police also assisted in controlling the parcel’s delivery.  The package was addressed to a “Jason Snider,” but according to Gregory, it is not uncommon for people to use false names when delivering drugs through the mail.

Tommy LaNier, head of the National Marijuana Initiative, a group that helps enforce marijuana legislation in the U.S., explains that the house was set up as part of a distribution network and was arranged to distribute high-grade marijuana from northern California.

Upon further search, six additional pounds of marijuana were found in Simpson’s home, along with scales and smoking pipes.   Simpson was not arrested, nor was he suspended from playing with the Bengals.

It is unclear whether or not Simpson will face additional charges, but according to Gregory, if Kentucky authorities do not charge Simpson, then California might consider doing so.