A man in New Mexico has been charged with child abuse after police discovered an underground laboratory used to manufacture anabolic steroids in his home. Simply allowing children to be present where the chemicals or equipment for the manufacture of anabolic steroids (controlled substances) are used or stored can be the basis for child abuse charges under New Mexico law.
The Albuquerque Police Department’s Eastside Narcotics Team discovered evidence of a clandestine laboratory when they executed a search warrant on the home of Ruben Jaramillo, Jr. Items consistent with the manufacture of steroids were displayed in plain sight in various rooms throughout the house including the kitchen and master bedroom. Jaramillo’s two teenage daughters were present when police raided the home.
Police reported finding two kilograms of unprocessed steroid powder, sunflower oil, benzyl alcohol, empty vials, 186 vials of anabolic steroids including some vials labeled “testosterone cypionate”. A ledger recovered at the scene detailed the prices, quantities and types of anabolic steroids involved.
KOB Eyewitness News 4 displayed a picture of a vial with the UGL label “Gold Bull Pharma” attached. The main internet distributor has chosen to “disassociate” itself from the Gold Bull Pharma brand and has cut prices to help clear out inventory in the aftermath of the bust.
At least 10 states have laws on the books defining the manufacture of controlled substances as child abuse. It is doubtful that legislators had anabolic steroids in mind when they passed this legislation. They were most likely reacting to the dangers facing children living in residential clandestine methamphetamine laboratory. The toxic compounds, hazardous waste and highly volatile chemicals used in meth labs place children in immediate danger of ongoing chemical contamination and the possibility of fires and explosions.
A meth-using and/or meth-manufacturing parent is categorically different than a steroid-using parent. However, the laws in many states are written such that they can be applied to the manufacturer of any controlled substance.
This is apparently the case in Albuquerque. This may be the first time that “steroids as child abuse” has been pursued by prosecutors.
Police have determined that Ruben Jaramillo, Jr. place his 11- and 13-year old daughters in “harm’s way” with the mere presence of steroids and paraphernalia in his home.
Source:
Martinez, R. (November 9, 2011). Man Charged in Steroids Distribution Case. Retrieved from http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/11/09/news/man-charged-in-steroids-distribution-case.html
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