New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Anabolic Steroid Distribution Ring

MONROE La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Jersey man pleaded guilty for his role in importing and selling anabolic steroids.

Justin R. Kull, 28, of Turnersville, N.J., entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of conspiracy to distribute Schedule III controlled substances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Kull in addition to Gary Lynn Ward, 47; and David Ray Dean, 47, both of Monroe, conspired to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids starting sometime in 2013 until August 27, 2013. Kull was a nurse from New Jersey who supplied quantities of steroids to Ward and Dean. Ward and Dean would also import the drugs from overseas and other domestic sources. They would then process the drugs in a makeshift lab in the Monroe area and distribute them.

Kull faces up to 20 years in prison, at least four years supervised release, and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date of June 15, 2015 was set. Dean pleaded guilty February 18, 2015, and Ward pleaded guilty March 6, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to distribute Schedule III controlled substances. Dean is to be sentenced July 6, 2015, and Ward is to be sentenced on June 15, 2015.

United States Customs and Border Patrol-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Louisiana State Police participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.