California Doctor made admission regarding distribution of steroids
A California doctor, Dr. Ramon Scruggs, has pleaded guilty for a conspiracy count for distributing anabolic steroids and smuggling human growth hormone in the United States on an illegal basis, as per an announcement by the United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams.
This conspiracy count was imposed in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and one count of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(A).
From USDOJ.GOV:
In pleading guilty, Dr. Scruggs admitted that between 2000 and 2003, he distributed anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (“HGH”) to individuals in a manner outside the usual course of professional practice while operating his medical practice at New Hope Health Center in Costa Mesa, California. Dr. Scruggs further admitted that he knew that such distributions were not for a legitimate medical purpose, and that they were instead for non-legitimate purposes, including performance enhancement.
Dr. Scruggs admitted that he illegally distributed between 250 to 1,000 10cc vials of anabolic steroids. He further admitted that on or about May 17, 2003, he illegally distributed the anabolic steroid testosterone to a person in Santa Clara County, and that he caused this distribution of anabolic steroids without a medically adequate examination.
Dr. Scruggs further admitted that he asked others to assist him in the illegal distribution of steroids. On March 11, 2003, an individual under the authority of Dr. Scruggs wire-transferred $3,605 from a bank account under Dr. Scrugg’s control at that time, Bank of America Account #02020-01935, from San Francisco, California, to the People’s Republic of China. The purpose of this transfer was to make a payment for HGH Dr. Scruggs had prescribed for patients without a medically adequate reason or a medically recognized need.
U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello was of the view that the guilty plea truly demonstrates commitment of the office when it comes to prosecuting people indulging in distributing anabolic steroids and HGH, including doctors abusing their position by facilitating distribution of controlled substances without legitimate medical justifications.
