Travis Henry Takes Plea Deal

Former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry changed his plea on Thursday morning in U.S. District Court in Billings before Judge Richard Cebull.

Henry ((pictured, thanks KTVQ-TV)) reached a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting to a single charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. Two counts of cocaine distribution will be dropped. In court, Henry said he became involved with the drug ring in 2008 and distributed some substances in Montana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thaggard recalled the evidence that led investigators to Henry. A traffic stop on Interstate 90 in September 2008 by the Montana Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Agency intercepted a drug delivery headed for Billings.

The driver, with the initials CSI, told investigators he was going to deliver the drugs and take the proceeds back to Denver, Colorado. CSI, identified Henry as the "money guy". Judge Cebull allowed Henry to be released, pending a drug test, to his residence in Florida.Henry will be sentenced July 15, 2009 in U.S. District Court.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $4 million fine.

The Press Release from the US Attorney's Office is in black... as is Amanda Venegas' coverage from KTVQ in Billings, Montana...
Claire Johnson's coverage from the Billings Gazette is in black...

She adds that the prosecution will recommend a sentence at the low end of the advisory guideline range, the plea agreement said. If Henry qualifies, the prosecution also will recommend he receive benefits under a "safety valve" provision, which can shorten a sentence for a defendant who cooperates, has a minimal record, was not a leader, had no firearms and was not involved in violence.