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ALBANY, New York - A former doctor pleaded guilty today for her role in a suspected ring that prosecutors say sold at least US$40 million ($57.40 million) worth of steroids over the internet.
It was the first guilty plea in the multi-state case that threatens to reveal the identities of celebrities and professional athletes who prosecutors say have bought anti-aging remedies and muscle-building drugs.
Twenty other people have been indicted.
Ana Santi, 68, of the New York City borough of Queens, could face between two and six years in state prison. She had been stripped of her medical licence in 1999 for several errors, including drinking while on the job.
Santi was charged in a 13-count indictment and pleaded guilty to criminal diversion of prescription medication.
Albany County District Attorney David Soares, who is leading the investigation, said the guilty plea is the first of several he expects in connection with the case.
"The illegal sale of narcotics and controlled substances via internet into Albany County will not be tolerated and anyone facilitating or contributing to that process will be arrested and held accountable for their actions," he said.
Soares also plans to tell officials with the National Football League and Major League Baseball which of their players are tied to his investigation, though he will not prosecute customers.
According to the indictment, Santi wrote fake prescriptions for drugs worth more than US$150,000 that came from "multiple criminal associates," including Oasis Longevity and Rejuvenation in Delray Beach, Florida.
The indictment says she sold several controlled substances in Albany County to patients without ever seeing them, which is a state felony.
Prosecutors have connected Oasis to Signature Pharmacy in Orlando, Florida, which is at the centre of the probe and was raided on February 27. Its owners face felony counts, including sale of a controlled substance.
- REUTERS
