HARTFORD - Jeffrey Gentile, 34, of Ansonia, who was a Connecticut judicial marshal while involved in illicit drug activity, pleaded guilty in US District Court on October 5 to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of amphetamine, according to a statement from US Attorney Deirdre Daly. Gentile was arrested on April 29, 2015. When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of four years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Gentile was part of the drug ring that was led by former Newtown police sergeant Steven Santucci, 40, of Waterbury. Santucci is scheduled to surrender to federal officials on October 10 to start serving a 16-month prison sentence for his conviction on a drug charge and a money laundering charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Santucci and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. Certain members of the drug-ring conspiracy also distributed prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

A criminal investigation revealed that Alex Kenyhercz, of Ansonia, purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others. Kenyhercz also illegally distributed prescription medication, including Roxicodone, Oxycodone, Suboxone and Opana. Kenyhercz awaits sentencing.

In pleading guilty on October 5, Gentile admitted that he obtained steroids from Kenyhercz by paying him, in part, with Adderall, which is an amphetamine.

Besides his 16-month prison sentence, Santucci is facing house arrest, probation, a fine, and community service for his role as the ringleader of the group involved in the manufacturing and distribution of anabolic steroids.

Santucci, who joined Newtown Police Department in 2000, resigned shortly after he was arrested in April 2015. Court papers indicate he was involved in illegal drug activity for about six years before his arrest.