Shelton Man Involved In Steroid Manufacturing And Distribution Conspiracy Is Sentenced
HARTFORD, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Mark Bertanza, 34, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Judge Chatigny also ordered Bertanza to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $1000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.
Bertanza purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns. On October 16, 2015, Bertanza pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids. On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering offenses. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
