10 accused of selling anabolic steroids in NY-based ring

[F.I.S.T.]

10 accused of selling anabolic steroids in NY-based ring
By Ali Stewart Published: September 24, 2015


ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say they’ve arrested 10 men in connection with a New York-based ring involved in selling anabolic steroids and money laundering since 2011.

Federal prosecutors say the conspiracy was based in the Binghamton area, where four suspects live.

They pleaded not guilty at arraignments Wednesday.

Each could face at least 10 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to distribute the drug.

Other defendants were arrested in Georgia, Florida, New Jersey and Delaware.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic variants of the male sex hormone testosterone that can be legally prescribed.

Some athletes, bodybuilders and others have taken them illicitly to enhance performance and build muscle mass.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse says they can become addictive, and long-term use can lead to mood swings, aggression and kidney and liver damage.

 

[Wacker]

Money laundering just in case the sale of AAS doesn't work...becareful guys this round up is not over IMO.

 

[F.I.S.T.]

Money laundering just in case the sale of AAS doesn't work...becareful guys this round up is not over IMO.

Wacker

Never is man.Like domino's.Once one falls...............

Just another reminder of how security and safety should be the priority of EVERY ONE OF US on these boards.

 

[F.I.S.T.]

Here's the latest on this story........

http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/10-defendants-indicted-steroid-distribution-and-money-laundering-conspiracy-charges

 

[dirtyjoe8605]

Be safe my brothers

 

[F.I.S.T.]

NYSP: Four arrested in nationwide steroid distribution ring


(WBNG Binghamton) New York State Police said four local men were arrested in connection to an online steroid distribution ring that was based in Broome County.

State police said Wednesday's raid of two homes -- one in Binghamton and one in Endicott -- were the result of a year-long federal investigation called “Operation Cyber Juice.”

State police assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the investigations at 205 McKinley Ave. in Endicott and 29 Walnut St. in Binghamton.

Those searches yielded materials like lab equipment, syringes, liquid and powdered steroids, computers, and postal stamps and packaging for mailing.

The bust is a national initiative by the DEA to crack down on anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.

Four Broome County residents were arrested on felony warrants. They were charged Wednesday in federal court in Binghamton and released:

- Richard E. Progovitz, 37, of Route 79 in Port Crane
- Derek Strassle, 32, of Day Hollow Road in Endicott
- Paul Boylan, 31, of North McKinley Avenue in Endicott
- Jeremiah O’Brien, 33, of Walnut Street in Binghamton

Click below to see Action News' Kerry Longobucco recap the day's events:

Boylan and Strassle each pleaded not guilty to two felony charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, and international money laundering.

Progovitz and O’Brien each pleaded not guilty to one felony charge -- conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

The intent to distribute charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while the money laundering charge carries a maximum of 20 years.

Local law enforcement officials reacted to the news of a massive operation taking place in the Southern Tier.

"Anytime we hear anything about any kind of steroid lab bust, it's always surprising because people don't think a lot about steroids," Lt. Ben Harting, of the Broome County Sheriff's Office, said. "They think about the guy that's at the gym -- he's getting huge and shooting all these steroids. It's that backdoor, behind the scenes kind of drug."

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D) released the following statement to Action News regarding the bust:

“The excellent work of the DEA agents and New York State Police officers who pursued this case for over a year is evidence that we need to do all we can to ensure law enforcement has the resources necessary to do their jobs effectively. That is why I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and local officials to make sure the federal government continues to support programs that help our communities fight the war on drugs."

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston (R) released the following statement to Action News:

“Steroids are a dangerous drug that are corrupting people of all ages, especially our younger children who are trying to become big and strong like their favorite professional athlete. I applaud the New York State Police for their efforts in ridding our community of these labs. We need to do everything we can, at all levels, to rid the streets of all drugs, including opioids, steroids and everything else.”

Six additional people accused of being part of the distribution ring were arrested in states across the U.S., including Georgia, Florida and New Jersey.