Richard and Sandra Thomas, former competitive bodybuilders who competed in 2001 NPC Mid-Florida Muscle Classic mixed pairs competition, were arrested after undercover narcotics detectives recovered several thousand dosages of oral anabolic steroid, injectable steroids, and steroid paraphernalia some of which may have been destined for professional athletes. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) obtained an anticipatory search warrant in preparation for the controlled delivery after Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Philadelphia notified them that a large shipment of anabolic steroids was destined for the Lakeland, Florida home of Richard and Sandra Thomas. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd reported the steroid seizure as the largest in the history of the PCSO. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office apparently also seized copies of the steroid reference books “Anabolics 2007” and “Anabolics 9th Edition” which the photographer felt compelled to use creatively in official photographs of the steroid seizure (“PCSO reports on steroid arrest,” May 27).
PCSO detectives developed information from ICE agents in Philadelphia that there would be a package of illegal anabolic steroids delivered to the residence of Richard and Sandra Thomas at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland. After the delivery of the steroids, PCSO undercover Narcotics detectives and ICE agents executed a search warrant and recovered the steroids. In addition, they recovered Valium and thousands of anabolic steroid pills, injectable liquids, and syringes. Detectives also seized an AR-15 assault rifle, shotguns, and numerous semi-automatic handguns, all of which were loaded.
Richard Thomas talked freely and was extremely cooperative with detectives after his arrest up until he retained a lawyer. Thomas bragged to detectives about being the the largest dealer of anabolic steroids in the Central Florida area. The seized cache of bodybuilding drugs included various anabolic steroids and non-steroidal ancillary drugs.
Richard further stated that he was the largest steroid dealer in the state of Florida ten years ago, but now he is the biggest dealer only in the central Florida area. Richard’s mother told detectives that steroids is all he has ever known, and that his father introduced him to steroids. When Richard was asked if he was addicted to steroids, he replied, It’s all I’ve ever known.
Thomas also claimed to have sold steroids for several years to professional athletes in several sports including baseball, hockey and football.
Detectives asked Richard Thomas about his suppliers, and he stated that he purchased them from all over the world. He then stated that he was the biggest dealer of anabolic steroids in the central Florida area. Thomas further stated that he imported steroids from Iran, Pakistan, Slovakia, Russia, China, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, and Germany. Detectives specifically asked Richard if he had sold anabolic steroids to professional steroids, and he replied, You name the sport, and I’ve sold steroids to athletes who play it. He claims to have sold steroids to professional baseball players, hockey players, and football players.
Richard Thomas specifically identified the Washington Capitals hockey team and Washington Nationals baseball team as organizations which have players who are customers according to Sheriff Judd during a press conference late last night; Judd was quick to add that the PCSO has not substantiated Thomas’ allegations. Thomas did not identify professional athletes by name (“Authorities trumpet massive steroids bust in Polk,” May 26).
Richard Thomas openly bragged about selling steroids, though he wouldn’t name names.
“I can tell you this, there will be a whole lot of people puckered up after the morning news,” Judd said.
The former bodybuilders had placed 2nd place in the mixed pairs competition of the NPC Mid-Florida Muscle Classic in Orlando Florida on June 16, 2001.
Richard and his wife Sandra were semi-professional body builders themselves. One anabolic steroid they were found to be in possession of was Oxymetholone (from Iran), which they stated that cops are afraid of this steroid because it makes people so crazy they can flip a car.
Richard Thomas and Sandra Thomas were both charged with 10 counts Possession Anabolic Steroids With Intent to Sell or Distribute (F-1); 10 counts Importation of Anabolic Steroids Into the State of Florida; 1 count of possession of a firearm in commission of a felony; and 1 count Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Sales.
About the author
Millard writes about anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs and their use and impact in sport and society. He discusses the medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids while advocating a harm reduction approach to steroid education.
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