If you have been charged with a drug related offense, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John Calcagni at (401) 351-5100 for a consultation now.
Steroids Distributor Sentenced to Term of Probation.
October 2011
Man was charged with Introducing Misbranded Drug into Interstate Commerce, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 331(a) and 333(a)(2), and Possession of Anabolic Steroids with the Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E). These charges followed a long-term drug investigation whereby federal authorities determined that the man was an online host of several internet-based steroid discussion boards used in connection with both the distribution and use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. As a host on these websites, the man promoted and offered for sale numerous steroids and other illicit drugs. The man specifically promoted his product; received orders for the product from various customers through email; forwarded such orders to his overseas suppliers; and then received shipment thereof in the United States. Upon receipt of the product, the man re-packaged the steroids and other drugs for reshipment to his customers throughout the United States.
Federal agents, after gathering sufficient evidence against the man, arrested him following a motor vehicle stop and thereafter executed a search warrant for his home and personal storage container. The searches led to the discovery of a large quantity of steroids with an estimated wholesale value of nearly $250,000.00. Agents also discovered a firearm co-located with illegal product.
Based on the weight of evidence against the man, he determined it was in his best interest to plead guilty to the charged offenses. Attorney Calcagni was tasked with representing this man throughout the plea process in U.S. District Court, and more importantly, at his sentencing hearing. Attorney Calcagni successfully argued that the man be granted pretrial release while awaiting sentence. During this time, the man focused his efforts on obtaining lawful employment; caring for his sick spouse who suffers from fibromyalgia; tending to his stepchildren; and recovering from his narcotics addiction, namely, to steroids. The man remained on pretrial release for nearly one year and during this time, accomplished all of the aforementioned goals. Attorney Calcagni spent time with the man and his family; acquired statements of support on the man’s behalf for presentation to the Court at sentencing; and other materials to present on his behalf. Thereafter, Attorney Calcagni prepared and submitted a written sentencing memorandum and made an oral presentation at the sentencing hearing, both of which highlighted the man’s accomplishments on pretrial probation; acceptance of responsibility for his offenses; and his lack of criminal history.
Based upon these collective factors and Attorney Calcagni’s efforts, the Court granted the man leniency by sentencing him to a term of probation opposed to the standard jail sentence for narcotics offenses. Overall, the Defense built its case around a request that the man be afforded a second chance. That request was well received by the Court and ultimately granted. Congratulations to this client.
No comments:
Post a Comment