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September 29, 2016: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Illegally Manufacture Designer Steroids

 

 

 

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Food and Drug Administration 
Office of Criminal Investigations

 


 

 

             U.S. Department of Justice Press Release

 

 

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2016

United States Department of Justice

Western District of Virginia 

 

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Skaneateles, New York, man who was involved in the manufacture of illegal pro-hormones/designer steroids, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon.  James William Mills, age 50, entered a guilty plea to conspiring to commit various offenses including misbranding a drug and impeding the Food and Drug Administration in its function of regulating drugs.

United States Attorney John P. Fishwick indicated “Our office will continue to hold accountable those who manufacture these dangerous products.”

“Distributing unapproved prescription drugs disguised as a dietary supplements is illegal and puts American consumers at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark McCormack of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office.  “Our office is fully committed to working with the Department of Justice to assure that dietary supplements do not contain any drugs or other prohibited substances.”

Mills was part of an operation that involved the illegal importation of raw drug powder from China to the Danville, Virginia, area.  The powders were then shipped to various locations throughout the United States including a manufacturing facility at which Mills worked in Skaneateles.  The illegal product contained methasterone, commonly known as Superdrol.  The product was illegally marketed as a nutritional supplement when, in fact, it was a dangerous drug.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Mills agreed to an enhancement in his sentencing guideline level for obstruction of justice based on his false testimony before a federal grand jury.  Mills falsely testified about his knowledge of Superdrol and the large cash payment involved in the deal.  He also falsely testified that he had retired on good terms from the Syracuse Police Department when, in fact, he resigned pursuant to plea negotiations concerning a perjury investigation. 

 

United States District Judge James P. Jones scheduled Mills sentencing for December 15, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Abingdon.  At sentencing, Mills faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment for a term of five years.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer is prosecuting the case for the United States.

 

USAO - Virginia, Western

 
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