Polk County steroids dealer sentenced to 8 months in prison

TAMPA, Fla. - Richard Andrew Thomas, 36, of Lakeland, Fla., was sentenced yesterday to eight months in federal prison, and three years of subsequent supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Tampa, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Thomas had pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2009. As set forth in his plea agreement, on May 26, 2009, Thomas received an international package containing anabolic steroids, a controlled substance. A subsequent search of his house revealed thousands of doses of anabolic steroids, large quantities of valium (also a controlled substance), and several loaded firearms.

"ICE focuses not only on keeping illegal products out of the United States, but also on identifying and dismantling the criminal organizations behind this activity," said Susan McCormick, ICE special agent in charge in Tampa. "ICE uses its unique customs and immigration authorities to attack and dismantle smuggling organizations-whether they smuggle drugs or people-across our borders."

Thomas was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.

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