Lance Armstrong probe could affect future federal cases

[Steroid News]

Will the federal government finally stop the steroid witch-hunt?

"This is an example where prosecutors are out scouring the countryside to bring charges against a high-profile athlete," said defense attorney Mark Werksman, a former federal prosecutor. "It's disturbing that they contort and stretch to find a crime. It's an abuse of federal power. It's wrong."

"One of the lessons of the Bonds case is that juries do not like to convict professional athletes who they hold as heroes," said Mathew Rosengart, also a former federal prosecutor. "To the government's credit, they used their discretion wisely."

"The enormous bill for this fruitless trophy hunting expedition led by agent Jeff Novitzky needs to be totaled up and those responsible should be held accountable," said Victor Conte, the BALCO founder and president, who spent four months in prison after pleading guilty to steroids distribution. "Especially in this economic crisis it's important to make the highest use of the available tax dollars and that certainly does not seem to be the case with this investigation."

Read more: Armstrong probe could affect future federal cases - USA TODAY