A Shelton man who was one of several defendants charged in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring has taken a plea deal in federal court.
Mark Bertanza, 34, pleaded guilty Friday in Hartford to a single count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.
Federal prosecutors said an investigation by the FBI, DEA and the Department of Homeland Security revealed several conspirators were involved in a scheme to receive shipments of steroid ingredients from China and then manufacture and distribute them in the U.S.
“The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone,” federal prosecutors said in a prepared statement. “During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.”
Click here to read a previous story.
Those charged with taking part in the scheme include a judicial marshal, a Newtown police supervisor, and an emergency dispatcher.
In pleading guilty Friday, Bertanza “admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others,” prosecutors said.
Bertanza’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2016 before U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny.
He was arrested April 29 and has been released on $100,000 bond.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, but a plea agreement in the case indicates Bertanza will likely receive between zero and six months behind bars at sentencing.
