RICHMOND, Va. -- A former Petersburg police officer sold illegal steroids to a half-dozen former officers for two years before leaving the force in 2003, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

Calvin Felder, 35, of Richmond surrendered to authorities and was released on his own recognizance after an initial appearance in court Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Melson said at a news conference.

The complaint charges Felder with the manufacture and distribution of anabolic steroids. Melson said the case will be sent to a grand jury, which will determine how many counts Felder will face. Each count will be punishable by up to five years in prison, he said.

"He's said from day one he did not do what they're accusing him of doing," Felder's attorney, Todd Stone, said in a telephone interview. "It will all come out at trial."

Donald Thompson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Richmond, said the officers turned to steroids to build muscle that would give them an edge in confrontations with criminals. However, he said the drugs also can cause violent outbursts known as "'roid rage."

"They can cause officers to overreact ... and go beyond the rules of their departments and the law of the land," Thompson said.

According to an affidavit filed by FBI agent Judy A. Sykes, the problem came to light last year after former Petersburg officer Michael Tweedy pleaded guilty to a civil rights charge for his role in the 2003 beating of a man during a traffic stop. Tweedy, now serving nine years in prison, said at his sentencing that the attack occurred in part because of his steroid use.

"Police officers are supposed to be role models for your youth," Melson said, adding that authorities do not believe the use of illegal steroids by police is widespread.

Four of the men who allegedly bought steroids from Felder are no longer with the police force, and the two who remain were disciplined by the department, officials said. Col. Lee Crowell, the interim police chief, declined to provide details about the sanctions.

Crowell said he was unaware of the problem before Tweedy's sentencing.

Authorities declined to say whether other charges could be filed in the case.