IU football player, former player arrested on drug dealing charges

BLOOMINGTON – Two members of last season’s IU football team, walk-on defensive backs Johnny Albomonte and Thomas Henderson, were both arrested on felony drug charges Friday.

According to a statement to IndyStar from Capt. Steve Kellams of the Bloomington Police Department, BPD’s special investigations unit executed an arrest warrant Friday at a Bloomington apartment.

“Detectives within the special investigations unit received and began an investigation regarding this residence,” Kellams said in an email. “Detectives purchased drugs on multiple occasions over the last month.”

Kellams said both Henderson and Albomonte were charged with dealing marijuana, a level 6 felony, and maintaining a common nuisance, also a level 6 felony.

“Both students admitted to dealing marijuana,” Kellams said in the same email. “Approximately one pound of marijuana, THC wax, prescription drugs and approximately $3,500 in U.S. currency was seized in the search. Both subjects were booked into the Monroe County jail.”

Both Henderson and Albomonte, from Bloomington and Schererville, respectively, served as scout-team regulars for the Hoosiers in recent seasons. Between them, they were named scout team player of the week 15 times over the last three years. Albomonte was IU’s scout team defensive player of the year in 2016.

Albomonte made his collegiate debut in the win at Virginia last September, and appeared in seven games in 2017. Henderson played in the Foster Farms Bowl in 2016 but did not see game action in 2017. He announced via social media in January that he was retiring from football, after undergoing multiple shoulder surgeries.

Henderson is no longer listed on IU’s official online roster, while Albomonte is. A statement released to IndyStar released through a department spokesman said, “Indiana University Athletics and the IU football program are aware of the arrest of junior Johnny Albomonte."

“We will continue to gather facts,” the statement continued, “monitor the legal process and take action as the evolving situation warrants.”

Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.