Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991                   TAG: 9104100371
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SALEM MAN GETS PROBATION IN STEROIDS CASE

U.S. Magistrate Glen Conrad told Benjamin Boyd that his sentence would have been stiffer had there been evidence to support allegations that Boyd, 34, sold steroids to other people, including juveniles.

"I can't find that you were involved in the large-scale distribution of steroids," Conrad said. "If I thought you were distributing steroids, including to juveniles, I would sentence you to a substantial period of incarceration."

Conrad also ordered Boyd - a competitive body-builder and former volunteer wrestling and football coach at Northside High School in Roanoke County - to pay a $250 fine. As a condition of probation, Boyd must undergo drug tests for steroid use.

Results of his first test, done moments after his sentencing hearing Tuesday, won't be known until next week.

Boyd pleaded guilty in February. The charges resulted after a postal clerk noticed that Boyd was sending express-mail packages with incorrect return addresses. The clerk contacted the U.S. postal inspector.