April 12, 2017: Six Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Steroids
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U.S. Department of Justice Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
United States Department of Justice District of Massachusetts |
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BOSTON – Six individuals were arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit steroids, including testosterone and trenbolone, which are illegally used for body building.
Tyler Bauman, a/k/a Tyler Baumann, a/k/a “musclehead 320,” 32, of Shrewsbury; Kathryn Green a/k/a Katie Green, a/k/a Katy Green, 28, of Shrewsbury; Philip Goodwin, 36, of Lynn; Robert Medeiros, 31, of Gardner; Brian Petzke, 49, of Saugus; and Melissa Sclafani, 29, of Gloucester, were charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit drugs and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The defendants are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston at 3:00 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint, the defendants engaged in a scheme to produce and market illegal steroids by purchasing raw materials and supplies, marketing the steroids on social media and selling them to customers across the country via email. It is alleged that the defendants marketed the steroids as being made by “Onyx Pharmaceuticals,” using both the Onyx name and symbols; however, Onyx, a pharmaceutical company owned by Amgen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in California, does not manufacture liquid steroids. The defendants allegedly made the steroids themselves, using raw steroids imported from overseas, including from China. Bauman promoted the steroids through his social media persona, “musclehead 320,” claiming in his public posts that he was merely “sponsored” by “Onyx.” In addition, Bauman, Goodwin and Sclafani opened Wicked Tan, a tanning salon in Beverly, which allegedly served as a front to launder funds and purchase supplies for the conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit drugs provides a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain/loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Department; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police Department; Customs and Border Protection; and Lynn, Shrewsbury, Gloucester, Saugus, and Gardner Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Harman Burkart and David J. D’Addio of Weinreb’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Topic:
Drug Trafficking