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Press Release

Derby Man Admits Participating in Steroid and Prescription Narcotic Distribution Conspiracy

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PECORA, 54, of Derby, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

In pleading guilty, PECORA admitted that he conspired with others to distribute oxycodone, cocaine, morphine, and anabolic steroids.  PECORA, a previously convicted felon, further admitted that he unlawfully possessed two .308 caliber rifles and two 12 gauge shotguns.

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 several firearms, including the firearms that PECORA possessed.

PECORA has been detained since his arrest on April 29, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 15, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty steroid distribution and money laundering offenses.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, 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. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.

Updated January 25, 2016

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Prescription Drugs