Hairston's name surfaces in steroids probe; ninth person arrested
March 2, 2007
Texas Rangers infielder Jerry Hairston Jr.’s name surfaced Friday and a ninth person was arrested in a widespread steroids investigation out of upstate New York.
Hairston got a prescription for human growth hormone in May 2004 from a doctor jailed in the case, SI.com reported, citing a law enforcement document its reporters saw. The drugs were sent from Applied Pharmacy Services in Mobile, Ala., whose owners reportedly have been indicted by an Albany County (N.Y.) grand jury.
Hairston, who could not be reached for comment Friday by the Associated Press, told SI.com he was "baffled" that he'd been connected to the investigation.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., former baseball star Jose Canseco and former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield also were on Applied Pharmacy's customer list, according to the Times Union of Albany, which first disclosed the investigation.
SI.com said drugs were sent to addresses in Arizona and Maryland that were traced to Hairston, but it didn't give further details. SI.com did not say whether Hairston received any drugs, and it pointed out there are no allegations Hairston used performance-enhancing drugs.
"I have no idea what this is about. I'm really in the dark," Hairston told SI.com. "Not one time have I taken steroids or anything like that."
Illicit steroid distribution networks, which might be responsible for Internet sales of performance-enhancing drugs nationwide, have been targeted by prosecutors in upstate New York. Two pharmacies in Orlando, Fla., were raided Tuesday, and nine people in three states already have been arrested. As many as 24 could face felony charges when the investigation is complete.
On Friday, Claire Denise Godfrey, a doctor at an anti-aging clinic in Orlando, was ordered held without bond, one day after turning herself in. Seminole County Judge Carmine Bravo said New York authorities have a week to get Godfrey, or he will consider releasing her on bond.
It was not clear exactly what Godfrey is accused of. The Albany probe involves sealed indictments, and prosecutors did not immediately return telephone messages for comment.
Godfrey's name was mentioned in an indictment filed two weeks ago in a federal case charging the owner of a New Jersey pharmaceutical company with health care fraud, conspiracy and illegal drug distribution. The documents say Godfrey received a $2,350 payment in August from the pharmacy owner.
