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Bodybuilder faces drug charges
By Robert E. Kessler
Staff Writer
June 17, 2004
A prominent Long Island bodybuilder has been arrested by federal agents on charges of illegally selling a counterfeit version of a drug that is in high demand in both the bodybuilding underground and among those with HIV or AIDS, according to officials.
David Palumbo, a nationally competitive bodybuilder and the editor of Rx Muscle magazine, was charged yesterday in U.S. District Court in Central Islip with illegally distributing a counterfeit version of the human growth hormone somatropin.
Palumbo, 36, of 3708 Somerset Dr., Seaford, did not fight his removal to San Diego, where federal officials plan to arraign him on charges of conspiracy to distribute somatropin, also known as Serostim, and to traffic in counterfeit products.
Palumbo's attorney, Marc Gann, of Carle Place, declined to comment, as did Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Baker.
The drug, which is believed to mimic a normal human growth hormone in fostering muscle development, is legally available by prescription to combat severe wasting among AIDS patients. But it is eagerly sought in the black market of bodybuilding for its ability to foster muscle growth, supposedly without side effects, officials say.
For that reason it is considered by officials to be one of the drugs most widely diverted for illegal use. Somatropin is also costly; a month's dose for an AIDS patient can cost over $5,000.
Palumbo allegedly bought 200 boxes of a counterfeit version of Serostim from a San Diego supplier in July 2002 and subsequently resold some of the drug to individuals in Colorado and Washington state, according to Thomas Nasiatka, an agent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
U.S. Magistrate Arlene Lindsey released Palumbo on $50,000 bail on the understanding that he would voluntarily surrender himself to the Justice Department in San Diego.
If convicted on the charges, Palumbo could face up to five years in prison.
By Robert E. Kessler
Staff Writer
June 17, 2004
A prominent Long Island bodybuilder has been arrested by federal agents on charges of illegally selling a counterfeit version of a drug that is in high demand in both the bodybuilding underground and among those with HIV or AIDS, according to officials.
David Palumbo, a nationally competitive bodybuilder and the editor of Rx Muscle magazine, was charged yesterday in U.S. District Court in Central Islip with illegally distributing a counterfeit version of the human growth hormone somatropin.
Palumbo, 36, of 3708 Somerset Dr., Seaford, did not fight his removal to San Diego, where federal officials plan to arraign him on charges of conspiracy to distribute somatropin, also known as Serostim, and to traffic in counterfeit products.
Palumbo's attorney, Marc Gann, of Carle Place, declined to comment, as did Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Baker.
The drug, which is believed to mimic a normal human growth hormone in fostering muscle development, is legally available by prescription to combat severe wasting among AIDS patients. But it is eagerly sought in the black market of bodybuilding for its ability to foster muscle growth, supposedly without side effects, officials say.
For that reason it is considered by officials to be one of the drugs most widely diverted for illegal use. Somatropin is also costly; a month's dose for an AIDS patient can cost over $5,000.
Palumbo allegedly bought 200 boxes of a counterfeit version of Serostim from a San Diego supplier in July 2002 and subsequently resold some of the drug to individuals in Colorado and Washington state, according to Thomas Nasiatka, an agent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
U.S. Magistrate Arlene Lindsey released Palumbo on $50,000 bail on the understanding that he would voluntarily surrender himself to the Justice Department in San Diego.
If convicted on the charges, Palumbo could face up to five years in prison.
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