Christopher Thomas Caplinger, Steroid Distribution, Oklahoma 2023

Steroid Distribution Ring Cracked in Oklahoma

A federal investigation has led to the conviction of four defendants involved in a steroid distribution ring in Oklahoma. The ring, which operated between October 3 and November 2, was responsible for manufacturing and distributing anabolic steroids in the state.

The defendants, who pleaded guilty to various charges, are:

• Christopher Thomas Caplinger, 55, of Edmond, Oklahoma;
• Donald Ray Vincent, Jr., 54, of Edmond;
• Deborah Ann Crawford, 47, of Oklahoma City; and
• Michael Brandon Schott, 35, of Newport News, Virginia.

Criminal Charges and Sentences

Caplinger and Vincent pleaded guilty to manufacturing anabolic steroids and conspiring to commit money laundering. They face up to ten years in prison for manufacturing steroids and up to twenty years for conspiring to commit money laundering. They could also be fined up to $500,000 on each count and could be on supervised release for the rest of their lives.

Crawford entered a guilty plea to the money-laundering conspiracy on October 24. Schott pleaded guilty on November 2 to conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids. Both face up to ten years in prison for a steroid offense and up to twenty years in prison for a money-laundering offense.

Forfeiture and Fines

Caplinger has agreed to forfeit $287,743 in currency and a $740,000 money judgment. Vincent has agreed to forfeit $99,473 in currency.

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Eaton, Kerry Blackburn, and David McCrary are prosecuting the case.

Sentencing Date

Sentencings will take place in approximately ninety days.

Background

The case began with a federal grand jury returning a 23-count indictment against all four defendants on March 20, 2018. The indictment alleged that Caplinger rented space at 8201 North Classen Boulevard in Oklahoma City for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing steroids. It also alleged that Caplinger and Crawford transferred funds to China to conceal their crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/steroid-distribution-results-four-convictions