A former Philadelphia police detective pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal steroid and human growth hormone ring through the Internet and local gyms.
Keith Gidelson, 36, was one of three police officers busted last year by federal authorities in the operation, along with 12 others. Gidelson, the alleged ring leader, ordered shipments of the substances from Europe and China and had them sent to California and a box he rented at a local UPS store.
According to an indictment, Gidelson, a 14-year veteran with the force, conspired with his wife, Kirsten, officers George Sambuca and Joseph McIntyre Jr., and the other defendants to distribute the steroids and solicit customers. Gidelson delivered the product to his alleged customers who then distributed it to others. Prosecutors also claim Gidelson sold anabolic steroids to customers he met through various online weightlifting chat rooms.
Gidelson faces up to 10 years in prison on each count. Kirsten Gidelson, Sambuca and McIntyre previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
