Ex -Packers player accused of role in Texas-Georgia drug ring

Former Green Bay Packers's running back Chris Darkins has been charged in connection with a multi-state drug ring. Former Green Bay Packers's running back Chris Darkins has been charged in connection with a multi-state drug ring. Photo: NFL Photo: NFL Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Ex -Packers player accused of role in Texas-Georgia drug ring 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

A Houston man, formerly a player for the Green Bay Packers, has been arrested for his alleged role in a drug trafficking and money laundering ring that reached from here to California and Georgia.

Christopher Darkins is accused in Georgia in a federal indictment that names 31 people. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

The ring, which allegedly moved marijuana and cocaine, sent drugs through the mail from Houston and California to various parts of Georgia for distribution. It allegedly operated from 2012-2014, and was also connected to money laundering and firearms, according to federal authorities.

He was arrested Wednesday by the U.S. Marshal Service in Houston.

Darkins, a running back who was on the Packers in 1996 and 1997, has already started to fight the charges. A hearing is scheduled for today in Georgia to hear his contention that the charges should be dismissed.

In a court filing, Darkins states he is "a public figure whose reputation is being tarnished by these unsubstantiated associations with alleged illicit activity."

Read the full indictment below.

He further states that he finds it curious that authorities would bring the charges on the eve of an event recognizing his life's accomplishments, but he does not name the event in court filings.

A corporate Web site lists Darkins a managing director for OFSCap, a firm "with a focus and expertise in corporate strategy development and execution as it relates to market penetration, capital raising, and strategic partnerships."

Prosecutors contend the case includes more than 15 gigabytes of evidence, including audio and video tapes.

Drug proceeds were allegedly put in banks with branches in Georgia, with account holders rapidly pulling the money out of bank branches in Texas and Northern California, according to court papers.

In addition to pushing drug money through the banking system, cash was also allegedly moved by car and commercial aircraft.

There is not much information on Darkins in the indictment. Among the defendants having an allegedly higher profile was Ira Jackson who has been tied to a Bentley Continental, a GT Coupe and jewelry, such as a gold Rolex watch and a Johnny Dang Miami Cuban chain bracelet with .475 round diamonds.