Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991 TAG: 9104100525
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
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 was charged with introducing one bottle of testosterone and two bottles of anavar, both prescription drugs, into interstate commerce. He also was charged with dispensing the drugs without obtaining authorization from a licensed practitioner.
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.
Boyd also was charged with misbranding various types of steroids because the labels did not include the warning: "Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription."
Last August, search warrants were obtained for a package and for Boyd's hair-styling salon. Authorities found 300 tablets of Oxandrolone Spa, three boxes labeled Primobolan Depot, one vial labeled Testosterone Cypionate, three vials labeled Nandrolone Deconoate, two vials labeled Testosterone Cypionate, 210 hypodermic needles, $860 cash and a handwritten note.
Boyd testified Tuesday that he'd gotten the steroids through the mail and at a body-building competition. He admitted to having purchased the steroids for his own use.
"I've learned my lesson. I won't use them anymore," said Boyd, whose weight has dropped from 245 to 215 since he stopped using steroids after his indictment in September.
Boyd said a physician instructed him on how to use the steroids correctly. A qualified nurse administered the dosages, he said.
"I can't stand the sight of needles," Boyd said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Arenda Allen asked Boyd if he intended to continue in body-building competition, now that he had sworn off steroid use.
"I'll probably lose," Boyd said. "But I'd rather be drug-free and lose than be in trouble."
by CNB