A naturopathic doctor who was accused by the federal authorities of being part of a nationwide distribution ring of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs is now ready to face all the charges against him. Dr. Jesse Haggard, an Arizona naturopath and writer of the book “Demystifying Steroids” has returned to the country after taking refuge in Latin America. Dr. Haggard was indicted by a grand jury in Alabama including other professionals and pharmacists. Federal investigators charged them with nationwide conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids through online pharmacies by issuing prescriptions or sometimes without any personal consultation with the clients. They were able to sold steroids to more than a hundred of patients including some professional athletes like Jose Canseco, John Rocker, and Evander Holyfield.

During the height of the investigation, Dr. Jesse Haggard wrote the book “Demystifying Steroids” highlighting the benefits of steroids. He explained the uses of steroids in the field of medicine and in the treatment of some diseases or illnesses. He also presented case studies showing the benefits of using steroids. The steroid book is still available on most online book store.

According to the NY Daily News report, Jesse’s brother informed them thru email that the doctor had already returned to the US and would like to defend himself from the numerous charges filed against him by the federal authorities. “He has returned to the U.S. and I believe is in Florida waiting for pre-trial. He has been put in a horrible situation during this ‘witch hunt’,” according to Josh Haggard. “Having many patients in common, I can tell you that he has only ever helped people and has never had a patient complain,” he wrote in his email.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Southern District of Alabama issued a statement that Dr. Jesse Haggard is expected to make his first appearance in court Wednesday in Orlando, Florida. It was last month when Dr. Haggard posted on his blog his planned return to the country. He got help from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica which facilitated his return. He also wrote that US Marshals will be waiting for him once his flight reach Orlando and he will be brought to Mobile, Alabama for the pre-trial.

Dr. Jesse Haggard is facing 11 counts of felony. The charges include distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, money laundering, and criminal forfeiture. Court documents showed that Dr. Haggard prescribed different types of anabolic steroids such as stanozolol and testosterone cypionate. He was also accused of conspiring with the pharmacists and owners of Allied Pharmacy Services (APS) in Mobile, Alabama. Investigators found out that APS was involved in the distribution of steroids and other illegal substances to doctors and dealers from 2003 to 2006. Some of the drugs included human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and human growth hormone (hGH). There were 12 people indicted in this $4 million nationwide steroid distribution, according to federal authorities.

He formerly worked at Revolution Medical Center in Phoenix as medical director where he allegedly prescribed anabolic steroids to patients and other clients. The NY Daily News reported that the clinic was already closed last year. If convicted of the charges, Dr. Haggard may spend 5 to 20 years in prison plus payment of huge fine ranging from $250,000 up to $500,000.

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