Attorneys for Rams’ Henley Argue for Release on Bail : Courts: Lawyers say the cornerback, convicted of cocaine trafficking, should be free while they seek new trial. Prosecutors disagree.
Lawyers for former Ram cornerback Darryl Henley, who was convicted of cocaine trafficking, pleaded Thursday with a federal judge to release Henley on bail pending the outcome of a request for a new trial.
Juliette Robinson-Slaton, the football player’s Los Angeles attorney, told U.S. District Judge Gary L. Taylor that Henley posed no danger to the community and was not a flight risk. Henley has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles since his conviction in March.
Assistant U.S. Atty. John Rayburn Jr. vigorously objected to the request.
“Darryl Henley belongs in jail,” he said.
The judge said he will study the matter and issue a written decision later.
Henley’s bail request followed a separate petition for a new trial filed in May. The petition alleges that a juror who voted to convict him and the four others prejudged him, expressed racial prejudice, and discussed the case frequently while car-pooling to court.
Henley also contends that a second juror discussed the possibility of taking a $50,000 bribe to change his vote. A federal grand jury is investigating the allegation that the juror sought or was offered the bribe.
Both jurors have denied the allegations made against them.
Robinson-Slaton told the judge Thursday that she was certain that Henley will prevail in his motion for a new trial, and therefore, should be released on bail. She said Henley was eager to return to the National Football League and that he was not a flight risk because “we will be able to [switch on] the TV on Sunday and watch him.” Another possibility, she said, was placing him on an electronic monitoring system or in the custody of a family member, possibly his mother.
“If he were to flee, he would not want his mother to be placed in jail,” Robinson-Slaton said.
Rayburn rebutted the defense attorney’s argument that Henley was not a danger to the community. The prosecutor said Henley was a convicted drug dealer who “is very accomplished at using” his relatives and friends.