Judge Won’t Set Bail for Henley, Says Former Ram Is a Flight Risk

SANTA ANA — A federal judge has rejected a bail request by former Ram cornerback Darryl Henley, who is seeking a new trial on cocaine trafficking charges.

Henley was convicted of drug charges in March and faces a minimum of 20 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

U.S. District Judge Gary L. Taylor ruled Friday that Henley is a flight risk and should remain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, where he has been held since his conviction.

Henley’s lawyers filed a petition in May for a new trial, alleging that a juror who voted to convict the football player and four others expressed racial prejudice and discussed the case frequently while car-pooling to court. The defense lawyers also contend that a second juror discussed the possibility of taking a $50,000 bribe to change his vote. A federal grand jury is investigating those allegations.

Last week Henley’s lawyers told the judge they were certain that Henley will prevail in his motion for a new trial and that he should therefore be released on bail. The prosecution objected to the request.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Deirdre Z. Eliot said Monday that she believes Henley is a danger to the community.

“As we said in court, the government believes that it’s appropriate for Darryl Henley to remain in detention,” Eliot said.