Will Smith and his family with Jada Pinkett Smith may have avoided the dark drug culture of Hollywood, but it looks like his family back home in the rough streets of West Philadelphia haven’t been so lucky.
According to Star Magazine, via RadarOnline, Smith’s brother-in-law, Dee Lawrence Downs, who is married to the actor’s younger sister, Ellen, was recently indicted in a major federal cocaine-dealing rap.
The site claims that Downs, who now works as a businessman and security guard, has a history of run-ins with the law, including two arrests in 1987 and 1992, resulting in felony charges that landed him behind bars. After being released from prison, Downs reportedly remained clean until he allegedly became involved in a cocaine deal with undercover agents posing as drug traffickers in January.
According to court documents obtained by the Huffington Post, Downs was arrested on Jan. 17 after negotiating a deal to buy 2 kilos of cocaine from an undercover officer. He was charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
On Feb. 13, Downs was indicted, though he pleaded not guilty to the felony charges against him. His bail was set at $100,000 and he was released from federal prison on Feb. 19. Downs is expected back in court on April 15.
A source for Star speculated that Smith, who in 2006 marched against drugs and violence in Philly, is likely not at all happy about the situation.
“Having a drug felon in the family obviously doesn’t square with Will’s clean-cut image. This arrest has to be beyond horrifying for him,” said the source. “This has got to be embarrassing for Will and his family. It is the first time they have been touched by scandal.”
Well, the Smith’s aren’t the only ones to have to deal with a drug scandal. Check out some other celebrity drug scandals below. –nicholas robinson
