"Operation Roid Runner" busts steroid ring in Pa.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - November 24, 2009 (WPVI) -- Officials have arrested 10 Pennsylvanians accused of making and distributing steroids.

The investigation, called "Operation Roid Runner," began in the fall of 2007 according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett. Over the past five years, it allegedly brought more than $170,000 worth of steroids from China and Mexico into Pennsylvania.

"Like any illegal drug, steroids come with negative and dangerous physical effects," Corbett said. "We need to do everything we can to make sure that the public, especially young men, are aware of the dangers of using steroids, and we need to take those who distribute this poison off our streets." A grand jury recommended the criminal charges today after hearing evidence and testimony.

Officials say people in the Harrisburg area would acquire the illegal steroids and funnel them into the Lehigh Valley. According to the grand jury, the defendants were dealing steroids in both pill and liquid form.

Corbett added that during this investigation, agents seized a total of more than 700 bottles of steroids, 1,337 pills containing steroids, nine pounds of bulk steroids, $28,000 and four other firearms.

Here is a list of the defendants and the charges that they face:

• Robert Greynolds, 28, 451 N. Union St., Middletown, is charged with nine counts of delivery of steroids, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of carrying a firearm without a license, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
• Joel France, 42, 4251 E. Catalina Lane, Harrisburg, is charged with three counts of delivery of steroids, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
• Christopher Levan, 36, 426-B W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, is charged with one count of delivery of steroids and one count of criminal conspiracy.
• George Koufalis, 34, 2158 Woodridge Drive, Macungie, is charged with two counts of delivery of steroids, one count of possession with intent to deliver steroids, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of criminal conspiracy.
• John Sassaman, 51, 1803 Stratford Court, Allentown, is charged with four counts of delivery of steroids and one count of criminal conspiracy.
• Chad Gillespie, 33, 740 4th St., Catasauqua, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy, one count of possession with intent to deliver steroids, one count of manufacturing steroids and one count of dealing in proceeds of an unlawful activity.
• Marcus Lazaro, 29, 123 Somerset St., Freemansburg, is charged with three counts of delivery of steroids, two counts of possession with intent to deliver steroids, two counts of criminal conspiracy, two counts of dealing in the proceeds of an unlawful activity, one count of manufacturing steroids and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Christopher Niemczyk, 31, 1013 Old Course Lane, Easton, is charged with four counts of delivery of steroids, one count of possession with intent to deliver steroids, one count of possession with intent to deliver ecstasy, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of misbranding Ketamine and one count of criminal conspiracy.
• Stacy Garonzik, 38, 110-C W. Vine St., Shiremanstown, is charged with one count of delivery of steroids, one count of possession with intent to deliver steroids, one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and one count of criminal conspiracy.
• Eric Garonzik, 39, 3404 Lisburn Road, Mechanicsburg, is charged with one count of delivery of steroids, one count of possession with intent to deliver steroids, one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and one count of criminal conspiracy.

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