Two Missourian bodybuilders were indicted for one felony count of conspiracy to possess and distribute human growth hormone (hGH) on November 9, 2011. The Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri alleged that Gregory Loomans and Keith Ashabranner imported hGH and the anabolic steroids trenbolone and testosterone from China, used some of the product themselves and sold the rest to other bodybuilders.
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted two shipments of performance-enhancing drugs that were shipped to a post office box in St. Charles (Missouri) set up by Loomans. The packages were addressed in the name of another person.
A package arriving on March 9, 2011 contained approximately 320 vial of Chinese human growth hormone and was falsely labeled “mechanical parts”.
Another package arriving on March 10, 2011 contained approximately 49 vials of “trenbolone acetate hexahydrobenzylcarbonate “.
Prosecutors alleged that Ashabranner and Loomans bought the steroids and hGH for their personal use and sold the remainder to other bodybuilders. The proceeds were used to finance their own use. The names of potential customers were not identified in court documents.
Prosecutors also claimed that Loomans was required to visit a license physician to treat adverse side effects experienced by the use of Chinese steroids and/or hGH.
Ashabranner sent four money transfers to China and Loomans sent one money transfer to China between April 2008 and February 2010. Each transfer was between $2500 and $3000. The five transfers totalled $13,865.
Loomans and Ashabranner each face up to a maximum of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of the charge.
“As is always the case, the charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
Source:
Department of Justice. (November 21, 2011). Two St. Charles County Men Indicted for Illegal Use & Distribution of Human Growth Hormone. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/usao/moe/press_releases/
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