Two men have been indicted on charges after allegedly possessing and distributing human growth hormone drugs in St. Charles County.
According to the indictment, Gregory Loomans, 40, and Keith Ashabranner, 32, were body- builders that allegedly bought steroids and human growth hormones from China; injected a portion into themselves and sold the rest to other body builders in the St. Charles and surrounding areas.
Loomans of St. Charles and Ashabranner, of O’Fallon were each indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to possess and distribute human growth hormone drugs.
If convicted, Loomans and Ashabranner could face up to five years in prison and/or fines of $250,000 or more.
British shot putter gets 9 month in jail and a four year ban for steroid trafficking.
Shot putter Carl Fletcher has been banned for four years after being found guilty of trafficking doping substances, UK Anti-Doping confirmed today.
Fletcher, 28, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for drug offences, including supplying 16 types of class C substances. His offence involved the supply of a number of anabolic steroids, including testosterone, human growth hormone and Trenbolone, all of which are banned under the World Anti-Doping Code.
He was given a nine-month prison sentence and a four-year suspension from athletics until November 7 2015.
Fletcher, who competes for Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, finished third at this year’s UK Indoor Championships. He set a PB of 18.70m last year, improving by almost two metres in the space of two years. The performance ranked him fourth in the UK last year and put him at 20th on the UK all-time list.
Fletcher was part of a gang who were involved in supplying steroids. The group included two former police officers, one of whom was Fletcher’s uncle, David Fletcher.
“This case proves the invaluable role that law enforcement agencies have in the fight against doping in sport and demonstrates that our intelligence system is working effectively,” said Andy Parkinson of the UK Anti-Doping agency, whose intelligence unit worked closely with Merseyside Police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) throughout the operation.
Fletcher, 28, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for drug offences, including supplying 16 types of class C substances. His offence involved the supply of a number of anabolic steroids, including testosterone, human growth hormone and Trenbolone, all of which are banned under the World Anti-Doping Code.
He was given a nine-month prison sentence and a four-year suspension from athletics until November 7 2015.
Fletcher, who competes for Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, finished third at this year’s UK Indoor Championships. He set a PB of 18.70m last year, improving by almost two metres in the space of two years. The performance ranked him fourth in the UK last year and put him at 20th on the UK all-time list.
Fletcher was part of a gang who were involved in supplying steroids. The group included two former police officers, one of whom was Fletcher’s uncle, David Fletcher.
“This case proves the invaluable role that law enforcement agencies have in the fight against doping in sport and demonstrates that our intelligence system is working effectively,” said Andy Parkinson of the UK Anti-Doping agency, whose intelligence unit worked closely with Merseyside Police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) throughout the operation.
Arab Royal family chauffeur sacked after blowing whistle on steroid abuse.
Experienced chauffeur Peter Robinson, 52, was "head-hunted" to drive Sheikh Zayed Bin Saeed Al Nehayen while he was studying at the London School of Economics from November 2009.
Zayed is the son of Sheikh Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nehayan, who is the half-brother of the president of the United Arab Emirates.
But Mr Robinson claims he was sacked because the family feared he would damage their reputation by going to police to report Sheikh Zayed's bodyguard, Safa Tattan, for illegally injecting steroids in the run-up to a body-building competition.
He said he feared that Tattan was a bad influence on the young sheikh because they shared the same gym.
Mr Robinson told Central London Employment Tribunal that shortly after he reported the matter to Terri Pearson - personal assistant of Sheikha Bint Hamdan Al Nehayan, Zayed's mother - he was dismissed without explanation.
Mr Robinson said he soon became aware that Mr Tattan was slacking in his duties as a bodyguard, made racist remarks towards him and asked a staff member to buy him some syringes, he told the tribunal.
He said: "I said it was very odd for him to asking about this type of thing and said it looked like he was taking drugs. He was preparing to compete in a body-building competition."
He went on: "I remember saying that I hoped Safa was not intending on taking steroids around Zayed as they both attended the gym together.
"If he were to influence him it would have dire consequences. My concern was the safety of my principal, Zayed."
He told the tribunal he confided in Ms Pearson his fears that Mr Tattan was "showing signs of substance abuse" and that he had been forced to take him to hospital on two separate occasiosn.
He said: "I had to take him to hospital due to complaints from him that his legs and arms were hurting. He said he always felt tired and his heart was beating fast."
Zayed is the son of Sheikh Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nehayan, who is the half-brother of the president of the United Arab Emirates.
But Mr Robinson claims he was sacked because the family feared he would damage their reputation by going to police to report Sheikh Zayed's bodyguard, Safa Tattan, for illegally injecting steroids in the run-up to a body-building competition.
He said he feared that Tattan was a bad influence on the young sheikh because they shared the same gym.
Mr Robinson told Central London Employment Tribunal that shortly after he reported the matter to Terri Pearson - personal assistant of Sheikha Bint Hamdan Al Nehayan, Zayed's mother - he was dismissed without explanation.
Mr Robinson said he soon became aware that Mr Tattan was slacking in his duties as a bodyguard, made racist remarks towards him and asked a staff member to buy him some syringes, he told the tribunal.
He said: "I said it was very odd for him to asking about this type of thing and said it looked like he was taking drugs. He was preparing to compete in a body-building competition."
He went on: "I remember saying that I hoped Safa was not intending on taking steroids around Zayed as they both attended the gym together.
"If he were to influence him it would have dire consequences. My concern was the safety of my principal, Zayed."
He told the tribunal he confided in Ms Pearson his fears that Mr Tattan was "showing signs of substance abuse" and that he had been forced to take him to hospital on two separate occasiosn.
He said: "I had to take him to hospital due to complaints from him that his legs and arms were hurting. He said he always felt tired and his heart was beating fast."
Australian pharmacist disciplined over steroid supply.
A GOLD Coast pharmacist has been disciplined after admitting he wrongfully dispensed steroids and supplied himself with restricted drugs.
Simon Andrew Booy, who graduated as a pharmacist in 2005, worked behind the counter at a pharmacy in a Mermaid Beach medical centre between June, 2008, and August, 2009, where he was often the sole employee on site.
Records brought to the attention of Queensland Health and the Pharmacy Board of Australia revealed that during that time, non-therapeutic amounts and combinations of steroids -- which could be used to build muscle bulk -- were dispensed.
Authorities found that during the 14-month period Mr Booy supplied a customer 168 Deca-Durabolin, 54 Primoteston Depo, 309 Sustanon and 20 Reandron phials, in line with prescriptions issued by Dr Peter Grant.
Dr Grant said he would discuss with the patient the regularity of the injections after Mr Booy raised concerns about the quantities being requested.
In a judgment handed down by a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal made public yesterday, Judge Fleur Kingston found Mr Booy continued to fill the prescriptions authorised by the doctor until August, 2009.
"Mr Booy was aware the prescribing and use was unusual and took some steps, in concert with his employer, to try to address it," Judge Kingston said in her judgment.
"Unfortunately, those steps proved inadequate."
As part of the investigations Mr Booy also admitted to lax recording procedures and to having supplied himself with "restricted drugs", including Omepral and Somac.
Mr Booy later obtained medical authorisation for the medications and while his conduct was inappropriate, the tribunal had no evidence it was a common practice.
"Mr Booy dispensed anabolic steroids in circumstances in which he knew he should not," she said.
"At the time, he was a junior pharmacist who had a high level of responsibility and, it seems, he was not well equipped to discharge it."
Judge Kingston deferred a three-month suspension on Mr Booy's pharmacy registration, provided he not face further disciplinary action over the next 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete an ethical decision-making course and 12 months of mentoring.
Simon Andrew Booy, who graduated as a pharmacist in 2005, worked behind the counter at a pharmacy in a Mermaid Beach medical centre between June, 2008, and August, 2009, where he was often the sole employee on site.
Records brought to the attention of Queensland Health and the Pharmacy Board of Australia revealed that during that time, non-therapeutic amounts and combinations of steroids -- which could be used to build muscle bulk -- were dispensed.
Authorities found that during the 14-month period Mr Booy supplied a customer 168 Deca-Durabolin, 54 Primoteston Depo, 309 Sustanon and 20 Reandron phials, in line with prescriptions issued by Dr Peter Grant.
Dr Grant said he would discuss with the patient the regularity of the injections after Mr Booy raised concerns about the quantities being requested.
In a judgment handed down by a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal made public yesterday, Judge Fleur Kingston found Mr Booy continued to fill the prescriptions authorised by the doctor until August, 2009.
"Mr Booy was aware the prescribing and use was unusual and took some steps, in concert with his employer, to try to address it," Judge Kingston said in her judgment.
"Unfortunately, those steps proved inadequate."
As part of the investigations Mr Booy also admitted to lax recording procedures and to having supplied himself with "restricted drugs", including Omepral and Somac.
Mr Booy later obtained medical authorisation for the medications and while his conduct was inappropriate, the tribunal had no evidence it was a common practice.
"Mr Booy dispensed anabolic steroids in circumstances in which he knew he should not," she said.
"At the time, he was a junior pharmacist who had a high level of responsibility and, it seems, he was not well equipped to discharge it."
Judge Kingston deferred a three-month suspension on Mr Booy's pharmacy registration, provided he not face further disciplinary action over the next 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete an ethical decision-making course and 12 months of mentoring.
Repros claims Androxal works as well as the leading testosterone gel.
Repros Therapeutics today announced data from its recently completed ZA-204 study demonstrated that the 25 mg dose of Androxal showed statistically equivalent efficacy to the leading FDA-approved topical gel used per manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, after the six week dosing period was completed, men were followed for an additional seven days. All the men in the Androxal arms exhibited improved morning testosterones compared to baseline at the end of the seven day follow-up period. At the same time point, men in the topical gel arm exhibited morning testosterone levels numerically worse than the baseline values. Repros believes the numerical drops in the Androgel arm is indicative of the suppressive effects caused by exogenous testosterone on pituitary function. Androxal stimulates the pituitary which in turn stimulates the testes. This stimulatory effect seems to persist for a period of time post dosing, avoiding potential drops below baseline after discontinuation of drug which were seen with topical testosterone therapy.
At follow-up, the Androxal 25 mg (p< 0.00001) and 12.5 mg (p< 0.003) arms showed statistically significant improvement over the Androgel arm, while the comparison to the 6.25 mg dose nearly missed significance (p=0.056). In addition no patients in any of the Androxal arms (0/34) had levels of testosterone greater than 1100 ng/dl at week 6, while approximately 23% (3/13) patients using Androgel had testosterone concentrations above that level. As in previous studies topical testosterone significantly suppressed LH, in many cases to castration levels. Also, as seen in previous studies of Androxal, a single morning's testosterone level was highly correlated to both the maximum and average testosterone levels observed for a given subject. Thus, a single morning blood draw may be able to accurately predict both maximum testosterone, and average testosterone: correlations were much lower, and not statistically significant in the Androgel arm. Almost all dropouts in the study were a result of patient reluctance to undergo the intensive 24 hour blood draws required.
"We are very pleased with the strong and durable results seen in the ZA-204 trial," said Joseph Podolski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We observed a clear dose response in the Androxal arms which individually and collectively yielded highly statistically significant correlations. We believe the product's differentiated mechanism and the ease of monitoring Androxal's effect with a single morning sample will be major advantages in clinical practice."
About Study ZA-204
The study was designed to test three doses of oral Androxal against Androgel used per manufacturer's instructions. Up to 60 men were to be enrolled in the trial. Men were to have a morning testosterone level not greater than 350 ng/dl to be included in the study. The men were dosed for 6 weeks. Once randomized to an Androxal dose the subjects remained on that dose for the remainder of the study. Men on the Androgel arm were allowed to up or down titrate their dose as per manufacturer's instructions. Subjects in all arms visited the clinic every 2 weeks. At the end of the 6th week all subjects still in the trial returned to the clinic to have a 24 hour assessment for average testosterone based on hourly blood draws. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was also assessed hourly.
The average age of men in the study was 53.1 (10.1) and their average BMI was 31.8 (6.1). The average age and BMI is consistent in all the studies that Repros has run to date except the study in diabetic men wherein the age and BMI was higher.
At follow-up, the Androxal 25 mg (p< 0.00001) and 12.5 mg (p< 0.003) arms showed statistically significant improvement over the Androgel arm, while the comparison to the 6.25 mg dose nearly missed significance (p=0.056). In addition no patients in any of the Androxal arms (0/34) had levels of testosterone greater than 1100 ng/dl at week 6, while approximately 23% (3/13) patients using Androgel had testosterone concentrations above that level. As in previous studies topical testosterone significantly suppressed LH, in many cases to castration levels. Also, as seen in previous studies of Androxal, a single morning's testosterone level was highly correlated to both the maximum and average testosterone levels observed for a given subject. Thus, a single morning blood draw may be able to accurately predict both maximum testosterone, and average testosterone: correlations were much lower, and not statistically significant in the Androgel arm. Almost all dropouts in the study were a result of patient reluctance to undergo the intensive 24 hour blood draws required.
"We are very pleased with the strong and durable results seen in the ZA-204 trial," said Joseph Podolski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We observed a clear dose response in the Androxal arms which individually and collectively yielded highly statistically significant correlations. We believe the product's differentiated mechanism and the ease of monitoring Androxal's effect with a single morning sample will be major advantages in clinical practice."
About Study ZA-204
The study was designed to test three doses of oral Androxal against Androgel used per manufacturer's instructions. Up to 60 men were to be enrolled in the trial. Men were to have a morning testosterone level not greater than 350 ng/dl to be included in the study. The men were dosed for 6 weeks. Once randomized to an Androxal dose the subjects remained on that dose for the remainder of the study. Men on the Androgel arm were allowed to up or down titrate their dose as per manufacturer's instructions. Subjects in all arms visited the clinic every 2 weeks. At the end of the 6th week all subjects still in the trial returned to the clinic to have a 24 hour assessment for average testosterone based on hourly blood draws. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was also assessed hourly.
The average age of men in the study was 53.1 (10.1) and their average BMI was 31.8 (6.1). The average age and BMI is consistent in all the studies that Repros has run to date except the study in diabetic men wherein the age and BMI was higher.
Busted Thai website was www.buy-steroids-direct-asia.com
It appears the sites British operator and his daughter have both been arrested in Pattaya.
Steroids and large amounts of valium were found.
The site is still up and running which of course is very Suspicious.
I'm pretty confident the www.buy-steroids-direct-asia.com was not the only site they ran but don't want to list the others here incase you know who hasn't found them yet ( they all had the same bulk pricing deals and very similar site layouts ).
Buyers from countries in which steroids are illegal would be wise to clean house as many 'addressed' packages appear to be in Police hands.
Steroids and large amounts of valium were found.
The site is still up and running which of course is very Suspicious.
I'm pretty confident the www.buy-steroids-direct-asia.com was not the only site they ran but don't want to list the others here incase you know who hasn't found them yet ( they all had the same bulk pricing deals and very similar site layouts ).
Buyers from countries in which steroids are illegal would be wise to clean house as many 'addressed' packages appear to be in Police hands.
British steroid website operator arrested in Pattaya, Thailand.
( not sure which site it is yet, perhaps someone reading recognises their style of packaging )
An Englishman has been arrested by Crime Suppression Officers from Bangkok, accused of working for a website which allegedly exports steroids to UK. Mr. Neil Patterson aged 58 was arrested at a Beer Bar in Central Pattaya by officers from the Bangkok-based unit and taken to Pattaya Police Station following a lengthy investigation into the website which involved using a foreign operative to purchase steroids through the website.
The reported owner of the website Mr. Chris Ireland who is thought to reside in Ukraine has already fled Thailand, however a raid of his property company in Pattaya took place and over 10 Million Baht’s worth of steroids and sex enhancement medication were found. Mr. Patterson was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant dated 21st October and will be processed in accordance with Thai law.
Two 'supplement' companies plead guilty to mislabeling steroids.
Two western companies pleaded guilty in federal court in Boise on Thursday to mislabeling synthetic steroids as dietary supplements and unlawfully selling them across state lines.
DCD, LLC, also known as Advanced Muscle Science, has offices in California as does R & D Holdings. Both companies distributed their products to a large Internet-based retailer headquartered in Meridian and maintain warehouses in Boise.
The companies were charged with introduction and delivery into interstate commerce drugs that were misbranded with the intent to defraud. The felony charge carries a maximum fine of $500,000.
The companies pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with the U.S. Attorney for Idaho, according to a release. That agreement recommends that DCD, LLC pay a $125,000 fine and R & D pay a $21,000 fine.
Sentencing is set for January.
In 2009, Meridian-based online dietary supplement retailer Bodybuilding.com agreed with the Food and Drug Administration to recall 65 products after an investigation revealed the products, including those distributed by DCD, LLC and R & D Holdings, contain or may contain steroids.
DCD, LLC, also known as Advanced Muscle Science, has offices in California as does R & D Holdings. Both companies distributed their products to a large Internet-based retailer headquartered in Meridian and maintain warehouses in Boise.
The companies were charged with introduction and delivery into interstate commerce drugs that were misbranded with the intent to defraud. The felony charge carries a maximum fine of $500,000.
The companies pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with the U.S. Attorney for Idaho, according to a release. That agreement recommends that DCD, LLC pay a $125,000 fine and R & D pay a $21,000 fine.
Sentencing is set for January.
In 2009, Meridian-based online dietary supplement retailer Bodybuilding.com agreed with the Food and Drug Administration to recall 65 products after an investigation revealed the products, including those distributed by DCD, LLC and R & D Holdings, contain or may contain steroids.
Domestic UG steroid lab operator busted again.
A city man previously convicted of steroid manufacturing and distribution is expected to face similar charges in the near future after authorities said they found drugs, shipping labels and chemicals used to make steroids inside the man's home.
Police have not yet obtained a warrant for Daniel Cote's arrest, but said they plan to apply for one pending the outcome of state lab tests. Cote is also currently hospitalized for a medical condition.
Firefighters and paramedics on Wednesday went to Cote's Main Street apartment after receiving a call about a medical emergency there. Police said they were contacted by paramedics after they saw several drug-related items in plain view.
Members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force responded and seized vials of Testprop, an injectable steroid; Testosterone Enanthate, an injectable steroid; Deca Durabolan, an injectable steroid; Primobolan Enanthate, an injectable steroid; vials filled with testosterone, empty pill capsules, ephedrine, caffeine, a pill press and $300 in cash.
Task force members also found packaging and shipping labels destined for individuals in several other states.
Cote was previously arrested in 2006 on steroid manufacturing charges.
Operation Bulk-Up ( the YMCA steroid bust ) more info from press conference.
That rented, nondescript, 10-by-15 room in an office complex along Reed Hartman Highway housed a bank of 18 lockers - the secret center of a far-reaching anabolic steroid network running from Ohio to Tennessee and, ultimately, to China.
"Everything went through the mail," said John Burke, commander of the Warren County Drug Task Force.
The task force is among 11 agencies involved in "Operation Bulk-Up," an ongoing probe that began with a tip from the Lebanon YMCA in January 2010 and so far has produced indictments against 33 people, including one man who is deceased. The suspects came from six Ohio counties plus Tennessee.
On Wednesday, authorities revealed more details about the investigation and the 32 living suspects who are facing a total of 248 felony charges.
Two of the suspects are not affiliated with the Cincinnati-area network but were caught in the investigation, police said. One is a Miamisburg man who is accused of running his own steroid lab; another is a Wilmington man who allegedly got his supply from Florida.
About half of the suspects appeared Wednesday for bond hearings in Warren County Common Pleas Court. While some were released on their promise to show up for court, those alleged to be among the higher-ranking players of the group had bond set at $10,000 apiece.
Many of the suspects were otherwise law-abiding people, college-educated, with good jobs. One was the manager of an Oxford bank; another, a heavy-equipment salesman who pulled down a six-figure salary, police said.
Then there was Kris Sheid, 32, of Hamilton. Police say his huge physique - about 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds at one point - was propelling him toward potentially big money as an up-and-coming professional wrestler. His stage name is "Chris Carnage," according to PWInsider.com.
Others held no job other than the steroid network. Some were young men in their 20s who still live with their parents.
Police say, though, that the suspects in general had one thing in common: They couldn't resist the lure of easy money and seemingly magical substances that helped people to grow big, impressive, muscles - fast. Those factors seemed to overshadow the potential legal ramifications for sellers and the health risks for users, investigators said.
Most of the indicted suspects were using steroids or had done so in the past, Burke said. None of the three female suspects were believed to have been users, he said.
Authorities aren't sure how many customers the network was serving, partly because the investigation is ongoing. But the man they call the "kingpin," Ronald Herbort, 45, of Amelia, had a far-reaching clientele, police say.
Burke said investigators found evidence suggesting Herbort may have been involved with steroids since 1998, when he was living in the Symmes Township area. Herbort connected via the Internet with customers in distant places, police said.
The Tennessee lab was supplying steroid buyers in other states but named Herbort as its biggest customer, police said. Federal authorities are still investigating the reach of the Tennessee lab.
Burke said the lab imported steroid powder from China, mixed it with olive oil and packaged it in vials for distribution. Each vial cost about $25 to make; customers were charged $85 to $125 per vial.
After investigators began watching Herbort's movements closely, police say they saw a daily routine: On lunch breaks from his job as a receptionist at a Springdale dentist's office, he'd go to a post office and mail about a dozen steroid-stuffed packages to destinations across the nation.
Herbort's alleged No. 2 man, Matthew Geraci, 37, of Sycamore Township, fielded "orders" for steroids via text message, Burke said, and then stocked the supply in one of Suite F's 18 lockers, each assigned to a distributor-customer.
Locker-holders would pick up the steroid supply, replace it with payment, re-lock the locker and alert Geraci via text.
Herbort was "the sole supplier" to Geraci, officials said.
Many of the players knew each other only by first names or nicknames, such as "J-Dog" for Jason Sherrill of Tennessee or "Ronas" for Herbort. The anonymity of the group was one strategy that helped members avoid being caught, Burke said.
Near Suite F was Room 331, Suite C, which acted as a "stash house," concealing thousands of doses of the muscle-pumping pills and injectable vials. Only three people - Herbort, Geraci and his fiancée, Jessica Howard, 27, who also was charged - had access to the stash, police said.
All the suspects cooperated after investigators confronted them with the evidence, Burke said.
Tennessee UG lab bust update ( aka YMCA steroid bust ).
Local professional athletes – who haven’t been charged -- are being probed in a far-reaching Warren County drug investigation that busted a clandestine anabolic steroids lab in Tennessee and led to indictments of 32 people, authorities said Tuesday.“There are at least two (professional athletes) we feel have an involvement in this operation,” said John Burke, commander of the Warren County Drug Task Force. “The investigation is ongoing and there may well be charges (against the athletes).”
Burke added that authorities had strong indication that high school students were also buying steroids but officials weren’t able to identify any of them. Officials didn’t name any schools.
The suspects who have been indicted hail from six Ohio counties plus Tennessee. They include a Liberty Township gym owner, a champion Cincinnati bodybuilder, a manager at LA Fitness in West Chester Township and an exotic dancer from Middletown.
“It was a tight network” that required deep undercover work to infiltrate, Burke said, noting the suspects knew each other from gyms and bodybuilding.
"Virtually everybody we dealt with had no criminal record," Burke said, which is atypical for drug investigations.
But now the suspects are facing potentially long prison terms, Burke said. About 10 of them face a first-degree felony charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, which carries a prison term of three to 10 years.
At a news conference Tuesday, James Deir, resident agent in charge of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, characterized the operation this way: “It’s bar none unbelievable in the amount and the complexity of it.” He said the Warren County case is the largest steroid investigation he’s seen in many years.
A 53-year-old Lebanon man, Charlie Godsey, also would be facing charges but he died, authorities said.
During the investigation, Godsey told a detective that he had suffered a massive heart attack three years earlier, “and he (Godsey) attributed it to steroid use,” Burke said. “What’s even more astonishing is that he never stopped using steroids after that.”
Godsey died in April. Burke didn’t know the official ruling on Godsey’s cause of death. But when asked whether the death may have been steroid-related, Burke said, “It would be hard to believe that it wasn’t.”
Anabolic steroids help muscles grow bigger and stronger, but, as an article on ESPN.com says: “non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most, if not all, major sports organizations. Still, some athletes persist in taking them, believing that these substances provide a competitive advantage. But ….anabolic steroids can cause serious physical and psychological side effects.”
Scandals over the use of performance-enhancing drugs has led to questions involving many well-known baseball players, including Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez.
The Warren County probe began in January 2010, when authorities received two separate complaints about steroid abuse at the Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, along with concerns that some of the drugs were being dealt to high school athletes, Burke said.
Mike Carroll, president of Countryside YMCA, said he immediately went to prosecutors when he caught wind that someone might be selling steroids there.
“Our desire is, of course, zero-tolerance and to try to get that element out of the Y and out of the community. So I think this was probably a significant step forward in trying to get that done,” Carroll said.
An undercover officer began making regular visits to the YMCA to seemingly work out in the weight room. He began purchasing steroids off the YMCA grounds from a person he met at the facility, Burke said.
Information led local authorities and federal ATF agents to a large seizure of steroids in Clinton County and more buys from a supplier who ran a lab in Montgomery County. Children were present at both those busts, Burke said.
At a news conference Tuesday, Burke told how one alleged dealer used a system of metal lockers at a Blue Ash office building to sell the steroids. He said Matthew Geraci, 37, a landscaping company owner from Sycamore Township, was behind that operation.
“The steroids would be put in your locker. You had a key to your locker. You went in the locker …opened it up, got your steroids out … put your money in and that’s how this operation started,” Burke said.
Authorities secretly kept watch on the lockers around the clock, he said.
The investigation came to a head June 21, when authorities served numerous search warrants at residences in Hamilton, Butler and Clermont counties and various bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, Burke said. Liquid steroids, steroid tablets and computer equipment containing drug ledgers, vehicles and U.S. currency were seized.
Two weeks later, again armed with search warrants, they seized $600,000 in liquid anabolic steroids and tablets and kilos of steroid powder at a clandestine steroid lab. Also seized were numerous assault rifles, semiautomatic pistols, shotguns, ammunitions and almost $300,000 in money and vehicles, Burke said.
Burke said Geraci, along with 18 others, admitted to their involvement in steroid trafficking in the region. Those indicted are from Hamilton, Butler, Warren County, Clermont, Clinton and Montgomery counties and Tennessee. Four people have already pleaded guilty.
Among those indicted in the sting were Joseph Lochard, 37, who runs Ultimate Fitness in Liberty Township; Michael S. Dorazio, 48, of Loveland, a manager at LA Fitness in West Chester; and Richard Blevins, a Milford resident and owner of Nirvana Nutrition in Symmes Township. In March, Blevins, 38, clinched the 2011 Overall “Mr. Cincinnati” title in a National Physique Committee contest. A website proclaims that contest “is going natural” next year.
Urban Active in Deerfield Township was the only gym where an undercover agent actually bought drugs at an exercise facility, Burke said. Joshua Haberstroh, 37, a West Chester bodybuilder, was arrested in those transactions.
In another twist, a 26-year-old exotic dancer, Tina Reifenberger of Middletown, was arrested in Casper, Wyo., on Tuesday, officials said. Reifenberger, who goes by the stage names, "Tinker Bell," "Diamond" and "Sasha," allegedly "fronted" some of the steroid deals, officials said.
Stephanie and Jason Sherrill, a Tennessee couple who allegedly operated the clandestine lab in Tullahoma and Manchester, Tenn., Burke said.
In late June, the Sherrills moved the lab from their home in Tullahoma to a trailer owned by Kenneth Freeman of Manchester.
Burke said the Sherrills were importing the steroid powder from China, mixing it with olive oil and packaging it in vials for distribution.
It was a lucrative business for the couple, he said.
“They were making four or five times what they had in each vial. It cost them $25 to make and they sold it for $85 to $125 a vial,” Burke said.
By Tuesday evening, all of the indicted suspects except one had been caught or surrendered, officials said. Only Cory McIntosh, 28, of Maineville, remained at large. He’s wanted on six counts of drug trafficking.
Husband spikes wife's food with anabolic steroids to try and make her house bound.
Interesting to note that the only side effects noted were hairloss, spots and nasal pain (?) no mention of liver / kidney problems during the trial.
Very odd that the judge even admitted that steroids were "designed for athletes to gain muscles".
A controlling and jealous husband secretly fed his wife steroids so she would pile on weight and be forced to stay at home and look after their children.
Victim Jaspreet Singh Gill sprouted hair on her chin, cheeks and back because Dalwara Singh was lacing her food and drink with the drugs, Leicester Crown Court heard.
The mother of two also developed spotty, constantly itchy skin and some scalp hair fell out, but her husband of 17 years told her not to go to the doctor.
When she complained that the food he suddenly starting preparing for her tasted bitter, because of the steroids, Mr Singh made her eat it out of guilt, saying he had made it especially for her.
Their teenage daughter told her mother she heard her father grinding a pestle and mortar in the bedroom.
Mrs Singh broke into a locked cupboard and found the anabolic steroids, Anapolon and Dianabol, and called the police.
Singh, a food factory production manager, of Empire Road, Leicester, admitted administering a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy, between November last year and January this year.
He avoided jail and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with supervision, and ordered to attend a domestic abuse programme.
Sentencing him, Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: 'You've escaped prison by the skin of your teeth.
'Over a period of weeks you secreted steroids designed for athletes to gain muscles and put it into your wife's food and drink.
'You say you didn't want to hurt her but just wanted her to gain weight. You stood by and watched the effects it had on your wife.
Lucky: Judge Ebraham Mooncey told Dalwara Singh that he narrowly avoided jail because of his actions
Lucky: Judge Ebraham Mooncey told Dalwara Singh that he narrowly avoided jail because of his actions
'You may have been doing it to make her give up her job, gain weight and stay indoors - and make her want you and rely on you.
'It was a well-planned exercise and you say you gave her the steroids at least four or five times.
'She trusted you. It's had a terrible effect on her, causing long-term emotional harm.'
Caroline Bray, prosecuting, said: 'They were married for 17 years and have a son and daughter, aged 15 and 16.
'It doesn't look to have been a happy marriage and he'd been verbally and physically abusive in the past.
'She felt controlled by him.
'Early in the marriage she didn't enjoy normal freedoms like getting a job, socialising and couldn't choose what she wore.
'He constantly accused her of infidelity and having affairs.'
Mrs Singh had considered that her husband was trying to sabotage her attempt to lose weight and in December last year he gave her a larger dose, in wine, causing swelling and severe pain to her nose which made her think she had the flu.
After a row the next day, she claimed Singh said: 'You should have died yesterday, but you didn't' and in a later police interview, Singh said: 'I just wanted her to gain weight.'
David Martin-Sperry, mitigating, said: 'It's a truly bizarre case.
'He's deeply embarrassed and appalled, ashamed and bitterly regrets it.
'He did it so she'd gain weight to get back to the pattern of their life, so she'd cook dinner and look after the children, so she wouldn't go out for walks to lose weight.
'There are some jurisdictions for example where a woman isn't allowed to have a driving licence or an education. They are concepts taking us back to the Dark Ages.
'Yes, he was controlling in the relationship and however much you may disapprove it as a way to conduct affairs in modern Britain, it's something that exists in some parts of some communities.
'I'm not an apologist for it, but it's not in itself against the law.'
Singh was made the subject of a restraining order, banning contact with his estranged wife, other than through solicitors or social services, or visiting her address.
He was also told to pay £350 costs.
Very odd that the judge even admitted that steroids were "designed for athletes to gain muscles".
A controlling and jealous husband secretly fed his wife steroids so she would pile on weight and be forced to stay at home and look after their children.
Victim Jaspreet Singh Gill sprouted hair on her chin, cheeks and back because Dalwara Singh was lacing her food and drink with the drugs, Leicester Crown Court heard.
The mother of two also developed spotty, constantly itchy skin and some scalp hair fell out, but her husband of 17 years told her not to go to the doctor.
When she complained that the food he suddenly starting preparing for her tasted bitter, because of the steroids, Mr Singh made her eat it out of guilt, saying he had made it especially for her.
Their teenage daughter told her mother she heard her father grinding a pestle and mortar in the bedroom.
Mrs Singh broke into a locked cupboard and found the anabolic steroids, Anapolon and Dianabol, and called the police.
Singh, a food factory production manager, of Empire Road, Leicester, admitted administering a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy, between November last year and January this year.
He avoided jail and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with supervision, and ordered to attend a domestic abuse programme.
Sentencing him, Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: 'You've escaped prison by the skin of your teeth.
'Over a period of weeks you secreted steroids designed for athletes to gain muscles and put it into your wife's food and drink.
'You say you didn't want to hurt her but just wanted her to gain weight. You stood by and watched the effects it had on your wife.
Lucky: Judge Ebraham Mooncey told Dalwara Singh that he narrowly avoided jail because of his actions
Lucky: Judge Ebraham Mooncey told Dalwara Singh that he narrowly avoided jail because of his actions
'You may have been doing it to make her give up her job, gain weight and stay indoors - and make her want you and rely on you.
'It was a well-planned exercise and you say you gave her the steroids at least four or five times.
'She trusted you. It's had a terrible effect on her, causing long-term emotional harm.'
Caroline Bray, prosecuting, said: 'They were married for 17 years and have a son and daughter, aged 15 and 16.
'It doesn't look to have been a happy marriage and he'd been verbally and physically abusive in the past.
'She felt controlled by him.
'Early in the marriage she didn't enjoy normal freedoms like getting a job, socialising and couldn't choose what she wore.
'He constantly accused her of infidelity and having affairs.'
Mrs Singh had considered that her husband was trying to sabotage her attempt to lose weight and in December last year he gave her a larger dose, in wine, causing swelling and severe pain to her nose which made her think she had the flu.
After a row the next day, she claimed Singh said: 'You should have died yesterday, but you didn't' and in a later police interview, Singh said: 'I just wanted her to gain weight.'
David Martin-Sperry, mitigating, said: 'It's a truly bizarre case.
'He's deeply embarrassed and appalled, ashamed and bitterly regrets it.
'He did it so she'd gain weight to get back to the pattern of their life, so she'd cook dinner and look after the children, so she wouldn't go out for walks to lose weight.
'There are some jurisdictions for example where a woman isn't allowed to have a driving licence or an education. They are concepts taking us back to the Dark Ages.
'Yes, he was controlling in the relationship and however much you may disapprove it as a way to conduct affairs in modern Britain, it's something that exists in some parts of some communities.
'I'm not an apologist for it, but it's not in itself against the law.'
Singh was made the subject of a restraining order, banning contact with his estranged wife, other than through solicitors or social services, or visiting her address.
He was also told to pay £350 costs.
Tennessee UG lab bust minor update.
On Monday night between 7 and 9 p.m., about ten of the suspects surrendered. Officials say some are competitive body builders-the youngest is 22 years old. Four of the suspects have already entered plea deals-one has died since the beginning of the investigation. The suspects include a pro wrestler, a bank manager, director of LA Fitness in West Chester, a UPS supervisor, and a stay at home mom.
Mike Allen is a defense attorney for one of the arrested subjects. He told Local 12's Deb Dixon, "Apparently, they employed business techniques with respect to bonuses, and rebates and things like that. And it's just something that you don't normally see in a run of the mill drug case."
Mike Allen is a defense attorney for one of the arrested subjects. He told Local 12's Deb Dixon, "Apparently, they employed business techniques with respect to bonuses, and rebates and things like that. And it's just something that you don't normally see in a run of the mill drug case."
Tennessee UG lab busted and 32 people indicted.
A two-year drug investigation into steroid trafficking that began at a Warren County YMCA has led to the secret indictments of 32 people from six counties.
Investigators said the case, which led Warren County Drug Task Force members to the source of the drugs and a clandestine lab located in Tennessee, was initiated after officials received complaints of steroid use at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon.
“This is one of the biggest cases in terms of the number of charges and individuals in recent history,” said county Prosecutor David Fornshell.
Those indicted and arrested were from Warren, Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery, Clinton and Clermont counties. Fornshell said the indictments have been handed down over a period of time but have remained secret and had not been released.
The people indicted are facing more than 100 charges, ranging from engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity to trafficking and possessing drugs. A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday, when officials are expected to provide details into the investigation.
Mike Carroll, Countryside YMCA president and CEO, said about two years ago he heard a rumor that someone was trying to push steroids in the facility’s cardio strength area. While he did not have any names or other information, Carroll said, “I treat rumors like that very seriously.”
Carroll said he contacted the county prosecutor’s office, which referred the complaint to the county Drug Task Force.
Carroll said he was the only person at the Y who was aware that an undercover agent was investigating the complaint. He said he would receive updates from the Drug Task Force on the investigation about every four to six months.
“It’s our desire to keep this kind of illicit activity out of the community and out of our facility,” Carroll said. “I’m delighted that it has culminated in a positive law enforcement action. I guess it takes time as it was my understanding that they were going after the manufacturers and traffickers. It was one of those things that one thing led to another that led to another.”
Carroll said, “to my knowledge, there are no employees involved.” However, he said he was not 100 percent sure as he does not know who has been indicted.
Maj. John Burke, drug task force commander, declined to comment on the indictments until Tuesday’s news conference.
Investigators said the case, which led Warren County Drug Task Force members to the source of the drugs and a clandestine lab located in Tennessee, was initiated after officials received complaints of steroid use at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon.
“This is one of the biggest cases in terms of the number of charges and individuals in recent history,” said county Prosecutor David Fornshell.
Those indicted and arrested were from Warren, Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery, Clinton and Clermont counties. Fornshell said the indictments have been handed down over a period of time but have remained secret and had not been released.
The people indicted are facing more than 100 charges, ranging from engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity to trafficking and possessing drugs. A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday, when officials are expected to provide details into the investigation.
Mike Carroll, Countryside YMCA president and CEO, said about two years ago he heard a rumor that someone was trying to push steroids in the facility’s cardio strength area. While he did not have any names or other information, Carroll said, “I treat rumors like that very seriously.”
Carroll said he contacted the county prosecutor’s office, which referred the complaint to the county Drug Task Force.
Carroll said he was the only person at the Y who was aware that an undercover agent was investigating the complaint. He said he would receive updates from the Drug Task Force on the investigation about every four to six months.
“It’s our desire to keep this kind of illicit activity out of the community and out of our facility,” Carroll said. “I’m delighted that it has culminated in a positive law enforcement action. I guess it takes time as it was my understanding that they were going after the manufacturers and traffickers. It was one of those things that one thing led to another that led to another.”
Carroll said, “to my knowledge, there are no employees involved.” However, he said he was not 100 percent sure as he does not know who has been indicted.
Maj. John Burke, drug task force commander, declined to comment on the indictments until Tuesday’s news conference.
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