IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Standout Iowa Hawkeyes receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos managed to flash a smile during his initial court appearance Wednesday on drug charges that have shocked Hawkeyes fans and left his future in doubt.
Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa's all-time leading receiver and a fan favorite nicknamed "DJK," is accused of keeping a drug house at his home several blocks from campus. He's also charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana, and police said he tested positive for both.
Decked out in big glasses and sports jacket over a turtleneck, Johnson-Koulianos smiled for photographers as he entered the Johnson County courtroom. He stood with his hands behind his back as Judge Stephen Gerard read the seven charges against him and the potential jail time -- up to 7½ years -- and fines he faces. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing and an arraignment date was not immediately scheduled. He walked out of the courthouse without commenting and left in a car driven by defense attorney John Beasley, who also declined comment.
The 23-year-old receiver and his roommate, 21-year-old Brady Cooper Johnson, were charged Tuesday after police officers raided their Iowa City home. Johnson-Koulianos was released from jail on Tuesday evening after posting $8,000 bond. Johnson made his initial appearance by video from the jail, where he was held on bail.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz suspended Johnson-Koulianos from team activities immediately Tuesday after learning of his arrest, which came as Iowa begins to prepare to play Missouri in the Insight Bowl on Dec. 28.
Johnson-Koulianos, a senior from Campbell, Ohio, received first-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference's coaches last month. He finished the regular season with 46 receptions for 745 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming Iowa's career leader in receptions and receiving yards in the process. He was the first player ever to lead the Hawkeyes in receiving his first three seasons.
Police say they found marijuana, more than $3,000 in cash, a digital scale and other items used to sell drugs throughout the residence. The player's roommate, Johnson, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and several other charges.
The criminal complaint against Johnson-Koulianos does not accuse him of dealing drugs. Instead, it says officers located cocaine residue, "small quantities of marijuana" in his bedroom, and a variety of legal painkillers and other pills for which he did not have prescriptions.
The complaint says Johnson-Koulianos agreed to take a urine test and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana.
He allegedly told officers he had used drugs, "he knew drugs were being used and likely sold out of the residence," and they obtained "electronic media" showing him possessing cocaine.
Johnson-Koulianos is charged with keeping a drug house in addition to possession of cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs.
