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Jamal Lewis about to turn himself in to federal authorities

Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who had the second-highest rushing total in NFL history last season, was indicted on federal drug charges.

The Atlanta native is accused of trying to help a childhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of 2000 -- just before he signed a six-year, US$35.3 million contract with the Ravens. No drugs were ever purchased, according to Wednesday's indictment.

Lewis's attorney, Ed Garland, said his client was innocent and would turn himself in today.

"Mr. Lewis wants everybody to know that he did nothing wrong," Garland said. "He was not part of any drug deal and any contention that he was is false."

Lewis is charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 5kg of cocaine and using a cellphone in the commission of the first count, according to US Attorney William S. Duffey.

The indictment came out of a drug investigation that has led to 30 convictions and helped dismantle a cocaine-trafficking ring in the city, Duffey said. He refused to say whether Lewis was tied to that drug ring.

In an affidavit, FBI special agent Hoyt Mahaley said that an informant contacted Lewis on his cellphone on June 23, 2000, to discuss selling cocaine to Lewis' friend. The conversation was recorded, according to the agent.
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