AAU talent broker facing federal drug charges

One of the most powerful talent brokers in AAU basketball faces federal drug charges after a yearlong Drug Enforcement Agency sting operation, according to documents filed in the District of Columbia on Monday.

One of the most powerful talent brokers in AAU basketball faces federal drug charges after a yearlong Drug Enforcement Agency sting operation, according to documents filed in the District of Columbia on Monday.

D.C. Assault president and co-founder Curtis Malone was arrested at his home Friday, where DEA agents say they found one kilo of cocaine, 100 grams of suspected heroin, a handgun, and unnamed items associated with heroin sales.

The investigation and arrest included the use of an informant and a wiretap. Malone faces charges of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 or more grams of cocaine.

In 1991, Malone was convicted for distributing crack cocaine, but he had appeared to reform in the years since, founding and establishing D.C. Assault as one of the most high-profile AAU programs in the country.

Notable alumni include former Georgetown star Jeff Green, Kansas State All-American Michael Beasley, Syracuse forward Kris Joseph and former Duke star Nolan Smith. Malone, Smith's stepfather, helped raise Smith following the sudden death of Smith's father, former NBA player Derek Smith, in 1996.

Malone could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.