Maroney Charged With Misdemeanor Drug Possession

BOSTON (CBS) - Former Patriots running back Laurence Maroney was charged with misdemeanor marajuana possession on Wednesday stemming from his January 17 arrest in St. Louis, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Read: Laurence Maroney Arrested In St. Louis

Maroney and a group of friends were arrested in St. Louis after police approached cars slowing in traffic. They smelled marijuana and upon searched the vehicles located weapons in one of the cars. The circuit attorney's office said an investigation determined those in possession of handguns broke no laws.

Four others with Maroney that night also face a misdemeanor drug charge.

Maroney's attorney said his client plans to plead not guilty, and it was "unfortunate he was charged under the circumstances."

New England chose Maroney with the 21st overall pick in the 2006 draft. The running back spent his first four seasons with the Patriots, where he averaged 4.2 yards a carry with 21 touchdown runs and 10.2 yards per catch with one TD reception. His best season was 2009, when he set career highs with 194 carries and nine touchdowns.

Maroney, who was traded to the Denver Broncos last season, is now a free-agent.