Steroid Arrests Target Individuals Involved in Competitive Bodybuilding

Apr 20

Steroid Arrests Target Individuals Involved in Competitive Bodybuilding

Oklahoma Law Enforcement Investigating Bodybuilders Who Use Steroids

The State of Oklahoma is cracking down on the use of anabolic steroids in the sport of competitive bodybuilding. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and Tulsa Police have been investigating steroid use in the competitive bodybuilding scene since at least December 2007. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has also been involved in the steroid investigation. The joint effort has resulted in a dozen arrest warrants for several IFBB professional bodybuilders, NPC amateur bodybuilders, emergency responders and medical professionals connected to competitive bodybuilding.

“We have identified individuals from Oklahoma, as well as several other states involved in bringing steroids or components of the drug into the United States,” according to Mark Woodward, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. “The drugs are being manufactured and distributed within a growing circle of individuals tied to competitive body building.”

Guy Ducasse, an IFBB pro bodybuilder, and Chris Goodman, a gym owner and supplement store owner, were indicted on federal steroid distribution and possession charges by a federal grand jury in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Over 75 individuals were interviewed during the Oklahoma steroid investigation. NPC bodybuilder Keith Koppenhaver reportedly told an undercover officer that Ducasse and Goodman were his sources for steroids according to previously published news accounts.

Federal prosecutors allege that IFBB pro Guy Ducasse sold at least $18,014 worth of steroids between 2006 and April 8, 2008 and that Chris Goodman sold at least $19,616 worth of steroids between April 7, 2004 and April 8, 2008. They both have been identified by law enforcement as “major” distributors of anabolic steroids in the Tulsa area.

Tulsa County Assistant District Attorney Tony Evans filed felony anabolic steroid distribution charges against Dr. Gary Robert Lee, a family and sports medicine physician at Gilcrease Medical Center. Dr Lee prescribed stanozolol (Winstrol) and nandrolone (Deca Durabolin) for the “off-label” to treat injuries in three bodybuilders.

Anesthesiologist Brad Stahlheber was arrested at the Muskogee Community Hospital on misdemeanor charges of possession of anabolic steroids and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dr. Stahlheber was not employed by the hospital but was given privileges to utilize the facility. A hospital spokesperson said Stahlheber was no longer welcome after his arrest. “We suspended his privileges until we can find out what’s going on,” according to Mark Roberts of Muskogee Community Hospital. “His arrest doesn’t fit in with the criteria of what our medical staff needs to be.”

National-level NPC amateur bodybuilder Darrell Terrell and IFBB pro Sherry Smith, who works for the Oklahoma City Fire Department, were arrested on misdemeanor suspicion of anabolic steroid possession after police discovered steroids and syringes while searching their home. Smith was permitted to remain on active duty with the fire department pending the resolution of the case. “We concluded she is not a danger to herself or the citizens of Oklahoma City and she will remain on duty,” according to Deputy Fire Chief Cecil Clay. “We can’t just put someone off without just cause, unless they are not fit for duty.”

NPC bodybuilder Tom Burke was charged with giving steroids to some of his personal training clients.

Recreational bodybuilder Derrick Davis was busted for importing raw steroid powders from China and prepared oral and injectable anabolic steroids in a home underground lab.

NPC bodybuilder Chris Waid, NPC bodybuilder Trudy Ireland-Kline, and Chris Jackson also face steroid-related charges arising from the Oklahoma investigation.

Criminal indictments for several unidentified bodybuilders remain sealed; the sealed indictments may involve bodybuilders on the East Coast and elsewhere outside of Oklahoma.

Sources

“Arrest Warrants Issued for Several Oklahoma Bodybuilders,” April 17, 2009

“Five arrested in state steroid investigation,” April 17, 2009

“Female Oklahoma City firefighter arrested in steroid sweep will remain on duty,” April 17, 2009

“Oklahoma Steroid Bust Nets Several Bodybuilders,” April 16, 2009

“Tulsa doctor charged over steroid prescriptions,” April 10, 2009

By Millard Baker

http://www.millardbaker.com

www.SteroidsRx.com