According to an investigation by the Star-Ledger, one doctor is responsible for providing hundreds of law enforcement and corrections officials with numerous types of steroids. He allegedly did this through bogus diagnosis and backroom dealings. Now, the doctor is gone—dead of heart failure at the age of 45 and leaving behind a tangled web of unethical and likely illegal practices.
The well known Jersey City doctor had gone from overweight and average to buff and robust in a span of about 5 years. During this time he became an advocate of hormone therapies and a suspected steroid user himself. He would ultimately be responsible for supplying at least 248 police officers and firefighters with similar drugs.
While there are some legitimate medical uses for steroids and testosterone therapy, disorders that warrant the legal use of these substances are quite rare, particularly among the middle aged and young men who were repeatedly seen in this doctor’s office.
The Star-Ledger interviewed one of his office employees who recalls repeatedly taking cash directly from “patients” in exchange for boxes of Human Growth Hormone and testosterones. She said some higher profile customers would literally sneak in after hours and through back doors to avoid being seen by the general public.
There are several concerns with the use of steroids by law enforcement. Obviously, there’s the criminal matter. If the cops are committing crimes (drug possession and use), how can we trust them to enforce the laws in an unbiased manner.
Secondly, what kind of effects did these hormones have on the officer’s behavior while on the job. Aggression, also known as “roid rage” is a fairly common side effect with drugs like this and the report points out that several officers were under investigation or named in lawsuits regarding brutality and similar cases.
This story doesn’t only raise concerns about the integrity of New Jersey law enforcement officials, but it also proves that no one is immune to the lures of addiction. Particularly in regards to a career like law enforcement, being stronger and bigger is seen as better. So, these officers got wrapped up in creating in themselves a sort of RoboCop.
Now, with their doctor’s death, there’s a chance that many have kicked the habit especially since the story has shined a light on the problem. However, the Star-Ledger suggests that many have sought out new physicians, willing to carry on the late doctor’s lucrative practice.
There doesn’t seem to be any criminal charges related to the investigation by the local news agency, though the state Attorney General has called the report “disturbing” and called on state officials, prosecutors, and police officials to investigate fully.
While being a cop accused of drug use is likely embarrassing, being charged with drug crimes is no walk in the park no matter who you are. If you are facing drug charges, contact our offices today for a free consultation.