NEW HAVEN — A member of the Easton Police Commission has been charged in an ongoing federal steroid and prescription narcotics distribution investigation.

In a statement, Deirdre M. Daly, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said that Raymond J. Martin, 48, was arrested on July 14. Mr Martin appeared before US Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on bond.

Mr Martin’s arrest brings to 12 the number of men charged in the drug ring.

Among those 12 men are Steven Santucci, 38, of Waterbury, a former Newtown police sergeant, and Jason Chickos, 46, of Bridgeport, who formerly worked as a Newtown emergency communications dispatcher. Both Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos resigned from their jobs following their arrests in late April.

Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. That offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Federal officials allege that Mr Santucci headed the drug ring.

An indictment also charges Mr Santucci with six separate counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of anabolic steroids. That offense carries the same penalties.

Additionally, the indictment charges Mr Santucci with conspiracy to launder money. That offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

Both Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos are free on bond. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are awaiting trial in October.

Mr Martin’s arrest stems from a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations into individuals who were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain individuals were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, a court-authorized wiretap intercepted Mr Martin engaging in text communications with other members of the conspiracy discussing the distribution of anabolic steroids and oxycodone.

The complaint charges Mr Martin with conspiracy to possess oxycodone with the intent to distribute, which is an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, more than 1,000 oxycodone pills, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.