3 Philadelphia Cops Charged With Illegal Steroid Trafficking
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Fifteen people, including a Philadelphia police detective and two other Philadelphia police officers, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in an illegal steroid and HGH distribution ring.
Investigators say that Detective Keith Gidelson, 34, bought monthly shipments of steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) from suppliers in Europe and China. One supplier would allegedly ship the drugs to California, where they were repackaged for shipment to Gidelson. Then, officials say, he and his wife Kirsten would repackage the drugs in their home and sell the illegal drugs to customers at their home and area fitness clubs.
Police officers George Sambuca, 25, and Joseph McIntyre, 36, are also charged.
Some of the alleged clients are named in the 17-count indictment.
Read the Indictment (.pdf format)
"Another dark day for our department," acknowledged Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey today, "but one that certainly does not reflect the good work that goes on every single day by the men and women of this department. But unfortunately, we do have some that tarnish the badge and continue to do so, and we will very aggressively continue to go after them and get them out of our ranks."
All three officers are in custody. Each has been suspended with the intent to dismiss.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, and Gidelson is the accused head of the ring.
Reported by Paul Kurtz, KYW Newsradio 1060
