Connecticut Man Sentenced in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution Ring

Michael D. Mase, 32, of Sherman, was sentenced on Wednesday to three years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Judge Chatigny also ordered that Mase spend the first three months of his probation in home confinement, perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 fine.

The sentencing was announced on Wednesday by Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. The judge was U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

Mase, a registered nurse and a competitive weight lifter, purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others, including athletes who competed in body-building and weight lifting competitions.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.

Mase was arrested on April 29, 2015. On October 6, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty steroid distribution and money laundering offenses. He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.