Connecticut man pleads guilty in steroids distribution case

HARTFORD >> Authorities say a Coventry man has pleaded guilty to his role in a steroids distribution operation.

The U.S. attorney announced that 49-year-old John Koch pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

Koch was among about a dozen people, including a former Newtown police sergeant, arrested last year in the steroid investigation. Federal prosecutors say the sergeant, Steven Santucci, of Waterbury, received shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufactured and distributed large quantities of steroids.

Koch admitted that he conspired with Santucci and others to distribute anabolic steroids.

Santucci pleaded guilty in December to steroid distribution and money laundering charges. He awaits sentencing.

Koch is scheduled to be sentenced July 1.