April 8, 2015

Midlothian Man Pleads Guilty to Steroid Distribution Conspiracy

RICHMOND, VA—Carl E. Macchiarulo, 43, of Midlothian, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

Macchiarulo faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 19, 2015. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Macchiarulo admitted that he operated an illegal steroid distribution business known as CK Labs out of his home in Midlothian between December 2012 and September 2014. In operating the business, Macchiarulo imported raw steroid powders and pills from China and other foreign countries, manufactured finished steroid products at his home, and distributed them to his customers through the mail. Macchiarulo advertised his business on various Internet sites known to serve as a marketplace for the distribution of anabolic steroids. During the course of the conspiracy, Macchiarulo imported at least 16 kilograms of raw steroid powders and thousands of steroid pills, and distributed steroids to customers located in over 30 states, including to at least one amateur athlete. As part of the plea agreement, Macchiarulo agreed to forfeit $163,455 in U.S. currency that was seized by law enforcement as proceeds of the conspiracy.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division; and David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Richmond Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominick S. Gerace and Erik S. Siebert are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:15CR00050.