DJK’s drug-house charge dropped

[ 8 ] January 20, 2011 | Lee Hermiston

Former University of Iowa football player Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is scheduled to be arraigned next month.

When he is arraigned, he’ll be making a plea to one less offense, however.

Johnson-Koulianos, commonly known to Hawkeye football fans as ‘DJK,’ was arrested on Dec. 7, 2010, when police served a narcotics search warrant on his East Washington Street home in Iowa City. Members of the Iowa City Police Street Crimes Team were originally investigating Johnson-Koulianos’ roommate, Brady Johnson, for drug dealing, but discovered the former wide receiver was in possession of drugs, as well.

According to criminal complaints and trial information, Johnson-Koulianos was in possession of cocaine, marijuana and two prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Police said Johnson-Koulianos admitted to taking the drugs and submitted to a drug test, which showed positive results for the drugs. Johnson-Koulianos has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of diazepam, possession of dilaudid and unlawful possession of a prescription drug. A previous charge, keeping a drug house, was not filed by Assistant Johnson County Attorney Meredith Rich-Chappell.

Johnson-Koulianos, the UI’s all-time leading receiver, was dismissed from the team following his arrest. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 3. However, he could file a written arraignment prior to that date.

Johnson-Koulianos is being represented by Des Moines defense attorney Alfredo Parrish.