Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson is now facing a formal criminal charge, several months after a package of marijuana was discovered in his Crestview Hills home.
Local 12 has learned that the Kenton County Grand Jury today indicted Simpson on one felony count of trafficking marijuana.
Back on September 20th, drug agents followed a package of marijuana sent from California that ended up at Simpson's Crestview Bills condo. Because so many police agencies in two different states were involved, the investigation took some time.
His lawyer spoke with Local 12's Joe Webb today, saying, "My understanding, Joe is there was a package delivered to another name to Mr. Simpson's address and all times prior to the police coming in and after, Mr. Simpson did not accept the package."
But the Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders retorts, "If I didn't think we could prove Mr. Simpson was the one in possession of this just under 3 pounds of marijuana we wouldn't have sought the indictment."
Simpson's attorney also says there's no proof ... no allegation .... that Simpson was dealing marijuana. In Kentucky, between 8 ounces and 5 pounds can still lead to a trafficking charge. "Under Kentucky law there's no requirement that a financial transaction be proven to prove someone guilty of trafficking a substance."
Regardless of the legalities, Simpson found himself on the wrong side of the law last fall. By all accounts, he has cooperated fully. His attorney hopes that helps and also hopes Simpson's notoriety doesn't get in the way. "Jerome Simpson is a real humble guy. You would not anticipate him in this situation but he is and we need to do whatever we can just to advise people, the prosecutor and judge that we just want him treated like everyone else. As if he were not a Cincinnati Bengal."
Originally, drug agents in California said up to 8 pounds of marijuana were found at Simpson's condo. It turns out to be just under 3 pounds. But if its between 8 ounces and five pounds it's a class D felony. Simpson could qualify for probation or diversion and avoid jail time if convicted.
Simpson will be summoned to court, not physically arrested, because he cooperated and is not considered a flight risk. He'll be in court January 30th.
