Jacksonville Man Indicted for Violating Anti-Doping Law

Orlando, Florida – Paul Alexander Askew (46, Jacksonville) has been charged by a federal indictment with conspiracy to influence major international sports competition by doping. If convicted, Askew faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Askew that the United States intends to forfeit assets alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the Indictment, from on or about July 10, 2023, and continuing through on or about January 31, 2024, Askew conspired with others to influence major international sports competitions by providing performance enhancing drugs to an athlete. The major international sports competitions the conspiracy sought to influence included the 2023 Ed Murphey Classic, the 2023 Xiamen Diamond League, the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, the 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championship, the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the 2024 United States Olympics Trials, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.   

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan.