H.S. Wrestling Coach Charged With Steroid Possession

TUSTIN, June 10, 2006 - A Tustin High School wrestling coach has been charged with possession of steroids and counterfeit money.

Ramon Serrano, 27, of Santa Ana could face up to three years in prison if he's convicted.

Tustin police Sgt. Paul Garaven said Serrano was arrested May 31 after police got a tip that he might have counterfeit money. Police got a warrant and searched two vehicles and his home.

Police found nine $50 counterfeit bills and two bottles of steroids, which are illegal to possess without a prescription.

The amount is consistent with personal use and "not consistent with selling it," the sergeant said.

School district officials say there were no indications that Serrano distributed the muscle-building drugs to students. He's been placed on administrative leave.

Serrano, who had been at the school for seven years and helped develop the school's wrestling program, is free on $20,000 bail.

Serrano will be arraigned June 29 on the felony counterfeit charge and misdemeanor steroid count.