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Press Release

Coventry Man Admits Role in Steroid 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 JOHN KOCH, 49, of Coventry, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

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, KOCH admitted that he conspired with Santucci and others to distribute anabolic steroids. 

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.

KOCH was arrested on June 4, 2015.

Judge Chatigny scheduled sentencing for July 1, 2016, at which time KOCH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000.  KOCH is released on a $100,000 bond.

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 April 5, 2016

Topic
Drug Trafficking