Henley Drug-Conspiracy Case Goes to Jury

Ram cornerback Darryl Henley had absolutely no reason to be involved in a cocaine trafficking ring and is the victim of a “big con” by others who took advantage of his name and generosity, his lawyer told jurors Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

“Darryl Henley is a hard-working man who has accomplished his goal of playing in the National Football League, not an easy goal to accomplish,” defense attorney Gerald Chaleff said during closing arguments of Henley’s trial on drug conspiracy charges.

Why, Chaleff asked, would Henley become involved in a drug ring when he was on the verge of earning $1 million a year playing football? Why would the UCLA graduate jeopardize his hard-earned career and the safety of his tight-knit family?

“This is totally out of character for Darryl Henley,” Chaleff said of the allegations.

But Assistant U.S. Atty. Deirdre Z. Eliot told jurors they should not be “dazzled” by the football player’s fame or be fooled by his “public side.”

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Henley served as the “financier” of a cocaine trafficking ring during the summer of 1993 stretching from his Brea home to Memphis and Atlanta. They accused Henley of using his fame to persuade former Ram cheerleader Tracy Donaho, then 19, to carry suitcases of cocaine across country.

The jury began deliberating later Tuesday on the fate of the 28-year-old football player and four co-defendants.

Also on trial are Ralph Bustamante, who prosecutors say supplied the cocaine; Garey West, a Memphis man who allegedly sold the drugs; Willie McGowan, who is accused of pulling the deals together; and Rex Henley, Darryl Henley’s uncle, who allegedly wrapped the cocaine in the suitcases and helped get couriers to the airport.

Bustamante and two other men, in a separate case, are also charged with trying to extort $360,000 from Henley and his family to pay for cocaine involved in the busted drug ring.

Donaho, who was arrested in July, 1993, carrying about 25 pounds of cocaine in a suitcase at an Atlanta airport, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport cocaine and testified on behalf of the government.

During his closing arguments, Chaleff spent much time attacking Donaho’s testimony, accusing her of lying to try and win a more lenient sentence.

Chaleff told jurors that the government is basing its case against Darryl Henley on a false premise of “guilt by association” and that prosecutors failed to prove that he was involved in a drug ring.

“The evidence hasn’t shown you that,” Chaleff said. “His life hasn’t shown you that.”