Mason City men named in alleged steroid ring

January 12, 2007

Two Mason City men have been charged in what police say was a two-state steroid-smuggling ring.

Members of the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force searched homes in Mason City and Nashville, Tenn., before they arrested Lee J. Cobb, 38, and Joseph R. Upshaw, 37, on Wednesday.


Each is charged with conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and money laundering. Authorities said more charges are possible. Details of what led them to Cobb and Upshaw were not made public.

The steroid charges are punishable by five years in federal prison. The money laundering charge carries a 20-year term.

No court dates were announced.