Louisianan UG lab owner sentenced for steroid distribution conspiracy & money laundering.

A top leader of the illegal steroid ring that operated in Southwest Louisiana found out his fate today. Jordan Berza is only 26 years old-- owns a business, has an engineering degree, a wife and baby on the way. But because of his illegal dealing in steroids he'll spend the next two years in federal prison.

Berza became choked up as he addressed Judge Patricia Minaldi-- acknowledging that he would pay dearly for his activities as a leader in a conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and launder money. Judge Minaldi sentenced him to two years in federal prison and a $12,000 fine. Defense attorney Todd Clemons says she could have gone a lot higher. Though Clemons admits Berza will still pay a high price. "I think it's unfortunate he's going to miss the birth of his first child and his mother is really, really ill and is in hospice care now."

Berza and another defendant, Chris Gass, own Planet Nutrition Stores-- which federal prosecutors say was a distribution point for anabolic steroids. Prosecutor Collin Sims says the young men smuggled steroids in various forms into the U.S. From china and elsewhere. "Steroid powder was converted into injectable form, bottled and sold in Louisiana and Texas. He was the predominant leader organizer of a group of individuals, based out of the Lake Charles, Louisiana area who were responsible for manufacturing, possessing and distributing over 7000 vials of anabolic steroids, predominantly in Louisiana and parts of Texas."

And he says the use of anabolic steroids poses serious health risks."There are many long lasting health effects. Enlarged heart, high blood pressure, organ failure, kidneys, liver problems. It's irreversible often times."

Clemons believes Berza has learned from his mistakes. "I think he's a true American success story. He got a scholarship to McNeese, a football scholarship, he has an engineering degree, He's only 26 years old. He owns two stores that are very, very profitable, doing very, very well. So, he's going to land on his feet."

Berza must report for federal prison on December 10th. A couple of weeks ago 10 other defendants were sentenced. Their punishments ranged from probation to two years.

Judge Minaldi says the case is a tragedy-- young men throwing away major accomplishments due to greed--and they'll always have a felony on their records.