Joel Dreessen, Erik Pears Victims in Fraud Scheme Run by Illegal Marijuana Ring

Former Denver Broncos players Joel Dreessen and Erik Pears were victims in an illegal marijuana ring that was recently busted in Colorado.

According to Allison Sylte of KUSA, Dreessen and Pears were allegedly defrauded after investing in what they believed to be a legitimate business due to the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.

Per Sylte, 74 indictments have been handed out, while 2,600 illegal marijuana plants and 4,000 pounds of marijuana were seized as part of a years-long effort to take down the operation.

Steve Peters, Dreessen's lawyer, said the following about his client's involvement: "Mr. Dreessen was an innocent lender to a business that he was told was both lawful and properly licensed. Joel has been repaid all funds he provided and is glad to have this matter behind him."

The suspects are alleged to have posed as licensed medical marijuana practitioners as a means of laundering money.

According to Sylte, investigators believe the illegal marijuana ring reeled in a monthly profit of $200,000.

Dreessen and Pears were college teammates at Colorado State, and they each had stints with the Broncos.

The 34-year-old Dreessen played tight end for the Broncos in 2012 and 2013 as part of an eight-year NFL career that also included runs with the New York Jets and Houston Texans.

Pears began his career as an offensive lineman with the Broncos in 2006 and 2007 before playing for the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers over the next seven seasons.