A Brunswick bodybuilder was given a 5 year suspended sentence for his participation in an underground steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Jason Arntz, 38, pleaded guilty in January to third-degree conspiracy to manufacture steroids. It was in March 2007 when authorities arrested 16 people, most are bodybuilders, for illegal manufacture of steroids and distribution in the Hanovers and Florham Park in Morris County.

Although Arntz did not participate in actual manufacture of the drugs or participated in the distribution of steroids, he supplied the group with the pill press used to facilitate the production. He still has the liability since according to court records he has knowledge that the press will be used for the illegal manufacture of the muscle-enhancing drugs, steroids.

Aside from the 5 year suspended sentence, the judge handling the case imposed a penalty of more than $1,000 and required Arntz to perform 150 hours of community service. Part of his community service is to engage in steroid education. The judge urge Arntz to do some speaking engagement in public schools or to groups about the dangers of steroids. “Maybe you can prevent some other person from going down the same path you did,” the judge said.

The prosecution, on the other hand, requested for an outright jail term for Arntz. Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Vincent Leo said that the defendant has a 2001 drug distribution conviction in the Union County and a disorderly persons offense in 2002. The prosecutor argued for a 3 to 5 year prison term but it was countered by the defendant’s lawyer, Robert Dunn. He said that Arntz has since “turned his life around,” and has a young child on his second marriage.

Judge Thomas Manahan explained his decision to give Arntz a suspended sentence. “Those two brushes with the law did not impede Mr. Arntz from assisting someone he knew was manufacturing anabolic steroids.” “I do not find probation is an appropriate sentence. Having said that, I don’t find state prison – today – is an appropriate sentence. I’m going to keep you under wraps in a different way,” with a suspended sentence’” said judge Manahan. The judge explained that if ever Arntz will be involved again in any violation of the law, he will be sent to prison. “It’s up to you how you comport yourself, but there won’t be any other chances,” the judge added.

Other respondents in the case also pleaded guilty to the charges and almost all of them received a probationary sentence. Co-accused Michael B. Dente was charged with conspiracy to possess steroids with the intent to distribute. He was given 2 years probation last year and required to render 100 hours of community service and 90 days work on the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program and to pay a fine of $650.

Another co-defendant Anthony M. Cuppari already pleaded guilty for the distribution charges but could be facing a stiffer penalty because of his involvement in the sale of steroids to a minor and distributing cocaine to his girlfriend. With these offenses, Cuppari could be facing a maximum jail term of 10 years. The sentencing is scheduled on April 9.

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