Anthony Bosch, 50, who is facing federal criminal charges in one of the biggest doping scandals in United States history, entered a plea agreement on Tuesday. He has agreed to plead guilty to one count of distributing testosterone.
The charges stemmed from a series of incidents in which Bosch allegedly used his now-closed clinic in Florida to supply testosterone-filled syringes and creams to professional athletes, including Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun as well as other baseball players in the National League. According to authorities, Bosch reportedly told players that the drugs he supplied could not be detected in a doping test. He would sell the testosterone he supplied to the athletes for as high as $12,000 per month. He also allegedly sold the drugs to high school and college athletes for between $250 and $600 per month.
Although none of the National League ballplayers face criminal charges for their involvement in the scandal, Braun was suspended for most of the 2013 season and the New York Yankees Alex Rodriquez, was suspended for the whole 2014 season.
While Bosch could potentially serve up to a 10 year prison sentence, he is expected to receive a lighter sentence under the terms of his plea agreement. He was released on a $100,000 bond after his hearing.
Defendants who are accused of federal crimes such as distributing testosterone could face severe consequences such as a lengthy prison sentence if they are convicted for these types of crimes. An experienced Wisconsin criminal attorney may be able to work with a defendant to provide a criminal defense that would reduce these kind of charges and potentially limit jail time.
Source: Reuters, “Florida clinic owner to plead guilty in baseball doping scandal” Zachary Fagenson, Aug. 05, 2014