The arrest of a businessman engaged in the illegal distribution of anabolic steroids in the Danbury area became a headliner because majority of the customers were high school students. Mark Mansa, the major operator of the alleged steroid distribution ring, have been in the steroid business for more than five years before the authorities were able to gather enough evidence of his illegal activities. Though law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation were confident that they have a strong case against Mansa and the other suspects, Mansa still pled not guilty on the charges.

Another reason why the media is interested in Mansa’s case is due to his claim that he has links with police officers in Danbury and other local police departments in Connecticut. In the court hearing, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo repeated the same claim of Mansa which enraged some local officials in Danbury. A council member in Danbury told the NewsTimes that this allegation is a bunch of unfounded rumors that are very corrosive.

Some city council members already issued statements defending the police department. They contend that members of the Danbury Police Department uphold the highest integrity in the service. “They take their oath of office seriously,” Council member Robert Arconti said. Another city council member told the NewsTimes that allegation similar to Mansa’s case doesn’t surprise him anymore. “Time and time again, they’re proven not to be true,” said council member Thomas Saadi.

According to Mansa, police officers from the Danbury, New Milford, and Wilton police departments gave him protection. It is not yet clear whether Mansa already mentioned the names of police officers who allegedly know his illegal steroid operation. Mansa’s operation could be reaching as far as New York and Florida.

Al Baker, the Chief of Police in Danbury, issued a formal letter explaining their role in the investigation and answered the allegation. Baker insists that his men were not involved in the illegal steroid operation of Mansa because they headed the investigation with the help of the Drug Enforcement Agency. The Danbury Police Department’s Special Investigations Division handled the case that also led to the arrest of four other suspects. Baker wrote that there was no credible information that will link officers in Mansa’s illegal business. Nevertheless, he still welcomes any investigation and will cooperate fully with such investigation just to clear the name of his police department.

Council member Paul Rotello showed concern on this issue because it can affect the image of the law enforcement agencies. “It’s crucial the public continue to have faith in our government and its judicial system. It’s the lady with the blindfold, holding the scales. People have to believe there are not favorites,” he told the NewsTimes. On the other hand, council member Arconti is just hoping that this allegation is not true. “I pray that none of our officers are involved. It would be a terrible thing if they were,” he said.

The chief of police in Wilton also dismissed the allegations. “I have no information and no reason to believe that any Wilton police officer was involved in this matter,” said Wilton Police Chief Michael Lombardo.

The initial information released to the public revealed that Mansa was selling at least 70 bottles of anabolic steroids every month mostly to high school student athletes in the Danbury area. Some people are now urging the state to implement a comprehensive steroid testing program to deter students from using performance enhancing drugs and become victims of steroid dealers.

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