Lewis, 25, was practicing at the Ravens’ training complex and wasn’t required
to appear. The trial is set for Nov. 1.
Lewis is free on a $500,000 bond and had previously pleaded not guilty to
conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and
the use of a cellular phone in violation of federal law. Lewis’ co-defendant,
Angelo “Pero” Jackson did appear and also plead not guilty, the Associated Press
reported.
The new charge was introduced by the government Aug. 17 as part of a superseding
indictment in what’s considered a common refinement of the original accusations.
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is accused of attempting to broker
a cocaine deal in the summer of 2000 for Jackson, a childhood friend.
When Lewis was indicted again during training camp, Ravens senior vice president
of public relations Kevin Byrne said: “This is something that we can’t control
or Jamal can control at this time. There is a due process and he will get his
day in court. Like we’ve said before, there are two sides to every story.”
Aaron Wilson also writes for the Carroll County Times