Illicit Steroid Distribution Prosecutions
1. Overview
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, amended in 2004 and 2014. This means that the unauthorized manufacture, distribution, or possession of steroids is a federal crime.
Most prosecutions arise under:
21 U.S.C. § 841 – Drug trafficking (includes steroids),
21 U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to commit drug trafficking,
21 U.S.C. § 843 – Prohibited acts involving registration and recordkeeping,
18 U.S.C. § 1956 – Money laundering, when proceeds are concealed.
2. Key Characteristics of Steroid Distribution Prosecutions
Involve black market manufacturers, online sellers, or gym-based distributors.
Often tied to importation from overseas (especially China and Mexico).
Frequently include conspiracy charges and use of darknet or clandestine labs.
May involve health care professionals illegally prescribing or distributing steroids.
3. Notable Case Law and Prosecutions
Case 1: United States v. Brian Wainstein ("Steroid Kingpin"), 2013–2017
Facts:
Wainstein was a South African citizen operating multiple underground labs distributing anabolic steroids globally, including the U.S. He coordinated with U.S.-based resellers and used fake labels and misdeclared customs forms.
Charges:
Conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846),
Money laundering,
Importation of controlled substances.
Outcome:
Indicted in U.S. federal court but murdered in 2017 before extradition. Co-conspirators were prosecuted.
Significance:
One of the largest international steroid distribution networks, highlighting how U.S. courts claim jurisdiction over foreign conspirators distributing into the U.S.
Case 2: United States v. Richard “Big Rick” Rodriguez, 2007
Facts:
Rodriguez operated Balco-like steroid labs, producing and distributing large volumes of steroids through his supplement company, "Applied Pharmacy Services." He had celebrity and athlete clients.
Charges:
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances,
Distribution of anabolic steroids.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Significance:
High-profile case with media coverage due to links with professional athletes; showed how legal supplement businesses were used as cover.
Case 3: United States v. Michael and Robert Bennett (Operation Raw Deal), 2007
Facts:
Twin brothers ran an underground steroid lab and imported raw hormone powders from China. Part of Operation Raw Deal, a massive nationwide steroid enforcement operation.
Charges:
Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute anabolic steroids,
Importation of controlled substances,
Operating an unregistered drug facility.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 4–8 years in prison.
Significance:
Operation Raw Deal was the largest steroid bust in U.S. history at the time, targeting both domestic and international suppliers.
Case 4: United States v. Charles S. Hough, 2014
Facts:
Hough, a veterinarian, illegally sold anabolic steroids meant for animals to bodybuilders and gym clients.
Charges:
Distribution of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription,
Violating FDA regulations.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 3 years in prison and loss of veterinary license.
Significance:
Example of misuse of professional license for illegal distribution.
Case 5: United States v. Robert Voy, M.D., 2002
Facts:
A licensed sports physician, Dr. Voy prescribed steroids and growth hormones to non-medical users, including athletes, without legitimate medical need.
Charges:
Illegal distribution of controlled substances,
Health care fraud.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to probation and heavy fines.
Significance:
Established precedent that licensed medical professionals are not immune from prosecution if they distribute steroids without legitimate need.
Case 6: United States v. Jeremy Manzer, 2016
Facts:
Manzer ran a clandestine lab in his home, selling steroids online using fake pharmaceutical labels. He imported materials from China and disguised packages.
Charges:
Conspiracy to distribute steroids,
Counterfeiting,
Money laundering.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison.
Significance:
Illustrated federal enforcement against homegrown lab operators and online black-market distribution.
4. Summary Table
| Case | Key Facts & Charges | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Wainstein | Global steroid kingpin, large network | Indicted; murdered before trial |
| Richard Rodriguez | Supplement lab owner with celebrity clients | 10 years prison; high-profile case |
| Bennett Twins (Raw Deal) | Imported Chinese raws; home lab | 4–8 years; part of major DEA operation |
| Charles Hough (Vet) | Sold vet steroids to bodybuilders | 3 years; loss of license |
| Dr. Robert Voy | Prescribed steroids to athletes illegally | Probation; established physician liability |
| Jeremy Manzer | Online steroid sales from home lab | 7 years; used counterfeit branding |
5. Legal Takeaways
Illicit steroid distribution is treated as felony drug trafficking, even though the drugs are often perceived as “less dangerous” than narcotics.
Schedule III classification means steroids require a valid prescription; unauthorized sale or possession is criminal.
Conspiracy is commonly charged even when the network is small.
Importing raw materials, especially from countries like China, triggers federal jurisdiction and additional customs charges.
Professionals (doctors, vets) face severe penalties if they distribute outside medical necessity.
6. Conclusion
Federal prosecutions of anabolic steroid distribution show that authorities view these offenses as serious threats to public health and drug regulation integrity. The DEA and FDA coordinate with customs enforcement to crack down on illegal labs, importation, and unlicensed prescriptions. Penalties are substantial and often involve prison, forfeiture, and loss of professional licenses.
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