“The Priest” Allowed Feds to Use His Online Identity

Jeff Beaty aka “The Priest” pleaded guilty on Friday, February 15, 2008 to the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Beaty was arrested and indicted as part of Operation Raw Deal.

Newspapers have identified Jeff Beaty of Nashville, Tennessee as an MMA fighter. He trained at Nashville MMA. His MySpace page has been inactive since last fall.

Assistant U.S. attorney Brian McEvoy described the “significant assistance” provided by Beaty to the Florida Times-Union with use of his internet handles:

He allowed [federal] agents to use his online identity and identified cellular telephone numbers that led to [several] convictions.

The plea agreement details Beaty’s cooperation as follows:

The defendant agrees to cooperate fully and testify truthfully against any and all persons as to whom the defendant may have knowledge whenever called upon to do so with regard to the facts underlying the information in this case, as well as the government’s continuing investigation into the circumstances underlying the information. The defendant understands that this agreement does not require the defendant to “make the case” against any particular person or persons. Rather it requires the defeant to be truthful and to testify truthfully whenever called upon. The defendant agrees to fully and truthfully respond to all questions asked by law enforcement officers. Defendant agrees to a polygraph examination if deemed necessary by the government to verify the truthfulness of information the defendant is supplying pursuant to the cooperation provision of this plea agreement.

Beaty faced up to 5 years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors recommended probation. The court granted the “motion for downward departure” on Friday. Beaty was sentenced to 5 years probation:

Sentence: 5 Years Probation with standard conditions of probation. urine testing, prohibition against possession of any firearm or other dangerous weapon and against the violation of any law. DNA sample as directed by the USPO. deft shall participate in a program of testing for drug and alcohol abuse and if necessary, participate in program for treatment. 150 hrs of community service during the first 18 months of probation. Deft shall submit his person, residence, office, or vehicle to a search conducted by a USPO at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner. Court accepts the plea agreement.

About the author

Millard

MESO-Rx | Website

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.