Anabolic Steroids Seized During Police Corruption Investigation in Washington

A police corruption investigation by the King County Sheriff's Office in Washington State has uncovered the distribution of anabolic steroids by own of its own. Deputy Darrion Holiwell was charged with one count of Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA) in addition to second-degree charges of promoting prostitution and first-degree charges of theft.

Holiwell had been employed by the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) for nineteen years. He was a member of the KCSO SWAT team (also known as TAC-30) and was designated the Lead Firearms Instructor for the Sheriff's Office. Holiwell is one of the top competitive shooters in the country and operates a side business called Praetor Defense that specialized in firearms and tactical training.

A variety of anabolic steroids were seized after the KCSO executed a search warrant on Holiwell's Seattle residence and the KCSO's Ravensdale Firing Range where Holiwell worked. 

Specifically, investigators found steroids bearing the “British Dragon” label. These included three vials labelled as injectable testosterone (Andropen 275), one vial labelled as boldenone undecylenate (Boldabol) and two bottles of stanozolol. In addition, ampoules labeled Mastabol, Boldabol and testosterone propionate as well as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), anastrazole (Arimidex) and the designer psychoactive drug CTJ-3 (methylone) were seized.

Investigators also seized Holiwell's Apple iPhone 5. A forensic analysis of the mobile phone retrieved numerous text messages with Holiwell's steroid dealer and several individuals, both inside and outside the Sheriff's Office, who bought steroids from Holiwell.

Jason Kieffer, identified as Holiwell's steroid dealer, cooperated with investigators and provided statements that incriminated Holiwell. The cooperation came after investigators executed a search warrant on Kieffer's residence and found over 100 bottles of anabolic steroids and some labels for “somatotropin” (aka human growth hormone).

Investigators contacted one of the customers appearing in Holiwell's text message records; Kevin McDaniel admitted buying testosterone propionate from Holiwell on multiple occasions. McDaniel confirmed dates corresponding with the text messages found on Holiwell's iPhone.

The search warrants that uncovered the steroids at Holiwell's home were based on information provided by Holiwell's estranged wife, Alicia Holiwell. 

Alicia had been comparing notes with Darrion's second wife with regards to domestic abuse accusations. His second wife disclosed details of these conversations with a friend who happened to be a KCSO employee. KCSO employees are ethically bound to report all such domestic violence incidents to their superiors. 

KCSO investigators interrogated Alicia as a result. She reported that her husband has started using steroids, hGH and clenbuterol about 6-7 years ago. Furthermore, Darrion had provided her with hGH to stay in shape.

Alicia also revealed details of an “open” relationship with her husband. She reported that her husband accused her of being a “sex addict” and suggested that “if you are going to have sex, you might as well get paid for it”. After their separation, Darrion helped her build an “escort” business; he collected as much as 80% of the revenue generated.

The steroid charges and the prostitution charges were added to the original impetus for the investigation – theft. KCSO alleged that Holiwell stole ammunition from and resold it for almost $15,000.

Holiwell was booked in King County Jail and held on $150,000 bail. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Gary Ernsdorff expressed concern for the cooperating witnesses should Holiwell be released from jail.

“The State also has significant concerns for the safety of the community and the witnesses who have cooperated in the investigation and whose identities will be revealed,” Ernsdorff wrote in court documents. “By all accounts, the defendant is a highly skilled marksman.”

Source:

(June 19, 2014). Sheriff describes 'police corruption' after deputy arrest. Retrieved from //www.kirotv.com/news/news/king-county-sheriffs-deputy-arrested-live-briefing/ngN8z/