Judge Denies Bail for Former NFL Player Arrested for Suspected ‘Drug Ring’

A judge has denied a former New York Giants and San Francisco 49’ers player bail following his arrest in Gaithersburg in what police said to be a drug trafficking ring.

Officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department arrested Craig Walendy, of Long Beach, California, at a motel near the 400 block of Quince Orchard Road after police said they saw suspicious activity between Walendy and others.

According to court documents, at least 200 pounds of marijuana sealed in a duffel bag and moving boxes, two hand-guns, and $10,000 in cash were seized by police.

Police charged with Walendy with multiple drug-related offenses, including one count of operating as a “drug kingpin.”

If convicted, Walendy faces up to 70 years of jail time.

In court Monday,  Walendy’s parents flew from California to plead with Montgomery County District Judge John Moffat to release him on bail.  The defendant’s mother, Paula Walendy told the judge that she was worried about her son’s health issues following multiple brain concussions he endured during his career with the NFL.

Although his lawyer asked for the judge to release him on bail because he had no priors and the fact the weapons seized were not fired, Moffat noted that Walendy’s California residency made him a flight risk when he delivered his ruling.

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Mitti Hicks

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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