Hurd co-defendant pleads guilty to drug charge

[August 25, 2012]  DALLAS (AP) -- A Dallas man charged along with former NFL player Sam Hurd pleaded guilty Friday to attempting to buy several kilograms of cocaine with Hurd's money in hopes of establishing a large-scale drug distribution network.

Toby Lujan pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. His plea deal calls for a prison sentence of 5 to 40 years. It also requires him to testify if asked by prosecutors.

Lujan signed court documents saying he told a law enforcement informant in December about a potential drug buyer named "Sam" who played for the Chicago Bears. Lujan gave the informant Hurd's phone number so the two could discuss prices and quantities of cocaine.

One week later, Hurd was arrested after an alleged meeting at a Chicago area steakhouse with an undercover officer posing as a drug trafficker. According to court documents, Hurd accepted a package of what he thought was cocaine and told the officer he wanted to buy five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute in the Chicago area.

Hurd has pleaded not guilty.

Lujan's attorney, Andrew Garcia Jr., declined to comment Friday on why Lujan decided to plead guilty. Hurd's attorneys did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Trial for Hurd and a third defendant, his cousin Jesse Tyrone Chavful, is scheduled for October 9.

Lujan was pulled over in July 2011 in a Cadillac Escalade belonging to Hurd, prosecutors said. He was carrying $88,000 in a canvas bag stained with marijuana residue. That same day, Lujan tried to purchase several kilograms of cocaine for Hurd, according to prosecutors.

"Lujan knew that Hurd wanted to acquire cocaine to sell to others, and Lujan agreed to help Hurd with this illicit venture," said a court filing signed by both Lujan and prosecutors.

Lujan allegedly told an informant that he could conduct drug deals after hours at a car-care shop where he worked in suburban Dallas.

The Bears would eventually cut Hurd, a San Antonio native who also played for the Dallas Cowboys. He was out on $100,000 bond, but was arrested earlier this month after failing two drug tests. Hurd admitted to using marijuana, according to prosecutors.

He is scheduled to appear before a Dallas magistrate judge Tuesday.

[Associated Press; By NOMAAN MERCHANT]

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