HARTFORD — A Sherman man pleaded guilty on October 6 to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids in a drug trafficking case which has 11 defendants, including a former Newtown police sergeant and a former Newtown emergency services dispatcher.

Michael Mase, 32, of Sherman pleaded guilty in US District Court, reversing his earlier not guilty plea in the case, according to spokesman for US Attorney Deirdre Daly.

In pleading guilty, Mr Mase, a registered nurse and a body builder, admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others, including athletes who competed in body-building competitions. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, a longterm investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals 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.

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 four long guns.

Mr Mase is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Robert Chatigny on December 23 at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Mr Mase was arrested on April 29 and is free on $100,000 bond.

Jury selection in the federal drug trafficking trial of former Newtown police sergeant Steven Santucci, 38, of Waterbury and former Newtown emergency communications dispatcher Jason Chickos, 46, of Bridgeport recently was postponed from October 13 to January 12.

Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos both resigned from their jobs following their arrests by federal authorities in late April. Federal officials allege that Mr Santucci headed the drug ring.

Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

An indictment also charges Mr Santucci with six separate counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of anabolic steroids. Additionally, the indictment charges Mr Santucci with conspiracy to launder money.

Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos are both free on bond.