8:05 AM Sat, Jan 22, 2011

http://irvingblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/01/irving-drug-trafficker-sentenc.html

A Los Angeles man was sentenced today to more than 24 years in prison for running a drug trafficking ring in Irving with former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Kurt Vollers.

John Patrick Newton, 35, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court last April to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, maintaining a drug-involved premise, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Vollers, who played for the Cowboys from 2002-2004, also pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. He will be sentenced in March and faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

Investigators say Newton, Vollers and two other men rented an apartment on North MacArthur Boulevard in Irving and used it as a base for their drug operation.

Vollers, who also played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2005, helped prepare, store and deliver the marijuana, authorities said.