FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Embattled former NBA player and Georgia Tech standout Javaris Crittenton is again behind bars, facing new felony drug charges. He was one of more than a dozen people rounded up in a sting operation Wednesday morning.
Investigators said Crittenton was part of a drug trafficking organization centered here in the metro area.
Channel 2's Aaron Diamant spoke to Crittenton's attorney about the latest allegation.
"I was very shocked," said defense attorney Brian Steel. "Mr. Crittenton's a good man, and I'm going to stand with him."
Crittenton and 13 others were indicted under seal last Friday in Fulton County and rounded up Wednesday as part of a federal, state and local drug trafficking sting. The group is accused of selling large amounts of cocaine and marijuana during a months-long investigation that began in 2012.
"Well, what we need to do is get the supposed evidence and attack that evidence and get ready for trial," Steele said.
Crittenton, an alleged gang member, already faces murder and other charges in connection with the 2011 shooting death of Atlanta mother Julian Jones. Prosecutors said Crittenton was aiming for the man who allegedly robbed him days earlier.
"Mr. Crittenton is not guilty, not involved in any type of gang activity, not involved in any kind of criminal activity whatsoever," Steele said.
While out on bond and under house arrest, Crittenton made headlines again last October when a judge imposed a strict curfew following allegations Crittenton threatened a Fulton County prosecutor after his bond hearing.
In the meantime, Steel's plan, given the new charges, is to help Crittenton any way possible.
"Doing whatever is lawful, and ethical, and zealous on Mr. Crittenton's behalf," Steele said.
Crittenton and seven others face state charges, the remaining six face federal charges.
WSBTV
