Federal authorities investigating a multi-state steroid distribution ring, which started fours years ago, has again claimed another victory. A former dentist from Cape Coral, Fla. recently pleaded guilty to 3 counts of illegal distribution of steroids and human growth hormone. Dr. James M. D’Amico was accused making illegal prescriptions of performance enhancing drugs to patients he had never met. It was also revealed that he continued prescribing steroids for more than 2 years even if his license was revoked. Health experts also questioned D’Amico’s prescription of HGH because he is a dentist.

The prescriptions were filled by at least two Florida pharmacies, Signature Pharmacy in Orlando and PowerMedica in Deerfield Beach. Owners of these pharmacies were also charged by the federal authorities. PowerMedica owner already pleaded guilty while Signature Pharmacy owners are still fighting for their case in court.

D’Amico was able to prescribe steroids and HGH worth thousands of dollars to various clients including professional athletes and celebrities. He was also paid by PowerMedica to make prescriptions for their clients. Based on business records obtained by the Times Union, some of the D’Amico’s “patients” include several major league players like former major league pitcher Paul Byrd, outfielder Jose Guillen and former five-time All Star third baseman Matt Williams. They were all prescribed with steroids and human growth hormones.

Records also showed the name of journeyman pitcher Ismael Valdez who purchased at least $11,300 worth of steroids in 2002.

And another loyal client of D’Amico is the owner of Orange County Choppers and a celebrity. Paul Teutul, 61 became popular in the reality show “American Chopper.” Records showed that Teutul received at least 73 prescriptions from Aug. 2, 2002 to Oct. 3, 2006. The steroids and human growth hormones Teutul allegedly purchased totaled $51,784.78. The prescriptions were filled by the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center in Florida.

According to the Times Union, 11 prescriptions for human growth hormones were made by D’Amico. These were shipped to a New York address. Paul Teutul declined to comment when asked about the alleged purchases and his relationship with D’Amico. However, the business records obtained by the Times Union revealed Teutul’s birth date, Social Security number, telephone numbers, and three addresses including the former address of his motorcycle factory in Montgomery, Orange County.

The use of human growth hormone as an anti-aging formula is now popular in the country. In fact, almost all anti-aging clinics offer HGH as one of their products. With Teutul’s age, the use of human growth hormone is possible. Different types of steroids were also (allegedly) prescribed and purchased by Teutul like testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol. These are the common steroids used by bodybuilders.

Another doctor from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation also wrote prescriptions for Teutul. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge but was given a lighter sentence because of his cooperation in the investigation. The doctor was sanctioned by Florida’s Department of Health but can still continue practicing his medical profession.

D’Amico, on the other hand, is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison with fines of up to $1 million. The sentencing is scheduled on April 22.

Federal investigators recently went to France to gather new evidences against the 7-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong. Investigators believe that France could give them damning evidences that will build a strong case against the former champion. In the previous months, several witnesses were already summoned to give testimonies before a grand jury. However, the different cases being build up against Armstrong needs more concrete evidences.

The investigation being headed by Jeff Novitsky has already asked the cooperation of the Interpol and different anti-doping organizations. Former team mates were already requested to testify against the cycling legend. Of course, these include his critics like Floyd Landis, who made the stunning revelations of the alleged systematic doping of the US Postal Service team. Landis accused Lance Armstrong guilty of using the blood boosting drug EPO and undergoing blood transfusion several times during Tour de France competitions.

The Investigating Team

Novitsky’s team is also building up a case on the possible involvement of Armstrong into fraud and illegal purchase of controlled substances. Federal investigators will not stop finding the proofs even if it will require them to travel in other countries. The AP reported that some of the people who traveled with Novitsky to France include federal prosecutor Doug Miller and Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-doping Agency. The meeting with the Interpol and France Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) will help them find more doping evidences against Armstrong.

France: First to Detect EPO Use of Armstrong

There were already rumors or should we say facts that will show Armstrong was involved in doping. Landis even accused Armstrong’s camp that they bribe an anti-doping official to manipulate the positive steroid results during a competition. In 2005, a French newspaper reported that the urine samples of Armstrong from the 1999 tour returned positive for the steroid EPO. Though Armstrong already denied it but the alleged high level of EPO in his six urine samples is still something that people want some answer.

The spokesperson of Armstrong, Mark Fabiani told the media that these reports were not new anymore. “In the case of the French lab result, all of this is old stuff,” he said. The 7-time Tour de France winner was already cleared by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on this issue. “The samples were clean when originally provided and tested. So we have nothing to be concerned about,” the spokesperson said.

The former head of the French Anti-doping Agency, Pierre Bordry is agreeable to providing the US Federal investigators information on the 1999 Tour urine samples of Armstrong. The samples are still preserved in France’s national anti-doping laboratory.

The NY Times also reported that authorities in Italy raided the apartment of the Ukrainian cyclist Yaroslav Popovych last week. Popovych was already summoned by the grand jury. He was with Armstrong in 2005 Tour de France and in rode with Armstrong’s team in 2009 and 2010. Lance Armstrong denies all the steroid allegations and claimed that he is clean of any performance enhancing drugs.

Great looking celebrities are not spared from the curiosity of the fans. Since their life is open to the public, whatever changes in their bodies will always be noticed. Mike “The situation” Sorrentino has the same problem to address. The improvement in his physique becomes an issue that some people thought it was caused by steroid use.

Sorrentino, the reality star from MTV’s “Jersey Shore” is also taking his chances in the “Dancing with The Stars.” Their latest performance in the show was not that good. Sorrentino and his professional partner Karina Smirnoff got the lowest mark in Monday’s presentation. However, Mike’s great abs got the attention of the media. Many suspect him that his great body physique could be the result of using anabolic steroids.

The Jersey Shore star answered this question during the interview with ABC’s “Nightline.” Mike Sorrentino denied that he never took any steroids in achieving his look right now. He told Chris Connelly that he never use steroids when asked about the issue. “The steroid look is definitely a bulkier look,” said Sorrentino. “I have a more thin, lean look,” he added. It is common for steroid users to get bulging muscles and bigger physique. But with the different type of steroids available in the market today, some could also get leaner muscles and does not cause too much increase in weight.

The celebrity is also taking a neutral stand on steroid use. Instead of giving an anti-steroid stand or an endorsement on the use of steroids, Sorrentino answered that it depends on the prerogative of the user. “And I don’t judge. If somebody’s going to take steroids, that’s their prerogative and their body.”

Sorrentino admits that he is keen in maintaining a healthy body. “I’m worried about taking care of myself and working out and taking my body to the best it could be,” he told Connelly. His current schedule may not give him enough time to go to gym and do regular workouts, his practice with his partner is already enough to keep him in shape. “I’m actually dancing six to eight hours a day, but I guess I’m genetically gifted,” he said.

In the interview of Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood, Sorrentino said that his main concern is to take good care of his body nutritional wise. He also added that doing the right things in the gym resulted to his great looking body.

After clarifying the issue of steroid use, Sorrentino should now focus on his next performance in the “Dancing with the Stars.”

A Chinese drug company that manufactures human growth hormone pleaded guilty for unauthorized distribution of a prescription drug in the country. GeneScience Pharmaceutical Company and its chief executive officer Lei Jin agreed to a plea agreement which requires them to forfeit more than $7.5 million. This is aside from the $2.7 million which was previously forfeited in favor of the government.

Though the company’s major marketing activities were done through the internet, the entry of the HGH drug in the US still requires approval of the FDA and other regulatory agencies because it is a prescription drug. “GeneScience never obtained approval from the FDA to market Jintropin in the US, where hGH is available only through doctor’s prescription for strictly defined uses,” authorities said. Jintrophin, GeneScience’s brand of hGH, was a hot item for bodybuilders and professional athletes in the country. In fact, some celebrities including Sylvester Stallone were reported to be using the hGH Jintrophin.

Based on court records, the HGH Jintrophin dominated the market for human growth hormone in the country. More than 90 percent of HGH illegally sold into the US was from GeneScience Pharmaceuticals. The investigation on the Chinese drug company started when authorities launched “Operation Raw Deal” that targeted doping in professional sports. There were also other cases where the company was sued because of the alleged serious side effects of their hgh product.

Since the drug did not pass any quality assurance from the FDA, users of HGH Jintrophin are on a greater risk of getting negative side effects. “HGH, when distributed and used unlawfully, poses a serious health threat, particularly to young people who ignore the risks of such substances in an effort to enhance athletic performance,” said district attorney Peter Neronha.

GeneScience will forfeit $4.5 million in assets and pay $3 million to finance a program aimed to clean the sports of doping. This will be pro rated every year for 3 years. The fund will cover anti-doping costs, research, testing for steroids, human growth hormone and other banned substances. “By paying an additional three million dollars to finance research, testing, and screening, the defendants will pay to counter the effects of hGH and steroid abuse.” The Rhode Island Foundation will manage the fund. Authorities believed that the conviction in the HGH case will deter other companies and individuals to engage in illegal activities like smuggling of human growth hormone and other banned substances.

Prosecutor Peter Neronha lauded the efforts of everybody who took part in the successful investigation and conviction of the Chinese drug manufacturer and its chief executive officer. “There’s no question that the good work done here has put a dent in HGH importation into the United States,” Neronha told the media. The court also sentenced Jin to 5 years probation. He is barred to sell any drugs to United States customers without the approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. GeneScience representatives decline to comment on the result of the case when asked by the media.

He may not have a leading role in the movie “The Wrestler” but his character as a steroid dealer for Mickey Rourke may not be too difficult to act as he may just be accustomed in doing it in real life. Scott Siegel of New Rochelle was sentenced this week for possession and dealing anabolic steroids. This is aside from the other charges against him for assaulting police officers when he was apprehended.

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Karas sentenced Seigel with 5 years prison term. The defense lawyer asked for a 2 year sentence but the judge cited the nature of the offense, the violence that happened during the arrest, and the previous drug convictions of the accused. Seigel pleaded guilty late last year to possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and two counts of assaulting, impeding and interfering with officers in the performance of their official duties. He could have faced a maximum 20 years in prison if he did not plead guilty for the charges according to his lawyer.

It was in February 18, 2009 when Seigel was arrested. But arresting him was not easy for the DEA agents and other police officers when he fled using his Cadillac Escalade that led to a 30-minute wild chase. He was only apprehended when he smashed his truck into a police vehicle.

Authorities found several anabolic steroids from Seigel’s home which included more than 1,450 bottles of liquid steroids. There were also approximately 28,000 tablets of oral steroids. Cash which was believed to be coming from the proceeds of his illegal activities were also recovered from him in the amount of $100,000. Police officers also found ledgers which were used to record his sales of steroids.

Seigel’s lawyer confirmed that his client uses steroids and suffers from other health conditions. “He has a history of anxiety and depression. Between that and the self-medication of steroids, he had what you might call a “‘roid rage,” said the defendant’s lawyer Barry Levin. Seigel pleaded guilty to start a new life after the incident. “He accepted responsibility for his actions. He’d like to start his life fresh and turn his life around,” said Levin.

However, the 5-year term for Seigel may be too long for him inside the jail. According to his lawyer, the actor is now suffering from hormonal imbalance due to his long steroid abuse.”As a result of abusing steroids since his teenage years, he has developed a serious mood disorder with both manic and depressive aspects,” Levin told the court.

Tiger Woods is back. After a few months of respite from his work as a professional golfer, Tiger Woods called a press conference Monday to announce his comeback in the sport which gave him fame and gave some details on the controversies that ruined his career. This time, he allowed the media to ask him questions. However, some media personnel observed that Woods statements were not that sincere and a hype. Jay Mariotti of FanHouse has this to say about Woods’ press conference. “He wanted this news conference to be the first day of the rest of his life, the beginning of a sea change in his approach to family and humankind. But my conclusion, after sitting in a humid room with 206 other journalists and listening to his orchestrated and often suspicious answers, is that he’s nowhere near a state of believability.”

There were also some questions that were not addressed by Woods saying that it’s a personal matter. Nevertheless, there are new revelations that we have learned from that press con specifically his ties with Dr. Anthony Galea. The Canadian doctor is facing charges for illegal possession of steroids and HGH. The federal authorities are currently conducting an investigation on Dr Galea for the possibility that he prescribed illegal steroids and HGH to professional athletes including Tiger Woods. In December last year, there were already speculations that Woods was probably on steroids but his camp ignored the issue.

Woods confirmed that he availed the services of Dr Galea to treat his right Achilles’ tendon in December of 2008. “I had PRP, platelet-enriched plasma treatments. As you all know, in 2008, I blew out my ACL, and part of my reconstruction with my LCL, it wasn’t reacting properly -it was a little bit stuck. And so I had the PRP injection,” Woods said. He sought the services of Dr Galea for the doctor’s expertise in platelet-rich plasma treatment. The procedure has become popular to athletes suffering from injuries because it helps them recover faster. Woods also said that there were repeated injections of PRP throughout the year because of a recurring injury. He also tried hyperbaric chambers after the injections to help in the healing process. The series of treatment from Dr Galea helped him to continue playing golf.

Tiger Woods categorically denied that he was involved in the use of steroids or HGH and that Dr Galea did not gave him steroids and HGh as part of the treatment. “He did come to my house. He never gave me HGH or any PEDs,” said Woods. “I’ve never taken that my entire life. I’ve never taken any illegal drug, ever, for that matter,” he added. But with the benefits of steroids and HGH which can also help in the recovery after injuries, many are still in doubt whether Woods is telling the truth.

In the press conference, Woods confirmed that he underwent 45 days of rehab. But this is not in connection with the use of any drugs. He admitted that he reached the lowest moment of his life and he keeps on lying to himself and the people around him. He only realized these things when he underwent the therapy. Here are some of the excerpts of his response to the press as quoted from Fanhouse.

“What I’ve done the past years has been just terrible to my family. And the fact I won golf tournaments, I think, is irrelevant. It’s the pain and the damage that I’ve caused to my wife, my mom, my wife’s family. My kids going forward — I’m going to have to explain all this to them. You know, that’s my responsibility. I did it. And winning golf tournaments, I think through all of this is irrelevant compared to the damage I’ve caused. As part of where I was at, I was rationalizing and in total denial. Whatever I did, I lied to myself, I lied to others, and just because I was winning golf tournaments doesn’t mean a thing. The way I was thinking caused so much harm to the people that I love and care about the most on this planet.”

The athlete of the decade is excited about the Masters Golf Tournament opening on Thursday and was asked about his expectations. “Nothing’s changed. I’m going to go out there and try to win this thing,” Woods replied.