Erik Eckert, Anabolic Steroid Trafficking, Virginia 2020

A U.S. Navy Petty Officer has pleaded guilty to his role in a multi-state anabolic steroid trafficking network, according to court documents.

NORFOLK, Va. - Erik Eckert, 34, a Petty Officer with the U.S. Navy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

The investigation revealed that Eckert was receiving wholesale quantities of anabolic steroids from a drug trafficking organization run by his co-conspirator, Michael Lambert, who pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges earlier this year. Eckert then sold the steroids to others, including fellow servicemembers.

Eckert is one of six members of the trafficking network, led by Michael Lambert, who have been charged in this case. In early 2020, Lambert and his wife, Laura Lambert, rented a residence in Surry County, where they used raw materials received from China to manufacture liquid and pill-form steroids for wholesale distribution.

The organization concealed its activities by using false names and identity information, encrypted messaging platforms, and cyber-currency accounts. The Lamberts used the proceeds from the conspiracy to purchase luxury vehicles, jewelry, and a horse, among other items.

The following defendants involved in the organization have pleaded guilty to the crimes listed below:

Name, Age
Charges
Total Maximum Penalties
Sentencing Date

Michael Steven Lambert, a/k/a “Christopher DeCamillo,” 36
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with the Intent to Distribute; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm
50 years
July 13, 2021

LAura Frances Lambert, a/k/a “Laura Purcell,” 31
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with the Intent to Distribute
20 years
Sept. 23, 2021

Adam Morin, 35
Making an Unregistered Silencer
10 years
Aug. 31, 2021

Hamdy Sayed, 36
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
10 years
Sept. 9, 2021

Clyde Edward Peele, a/k/a “Bo,” 45
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
10 years
Oct. 5, 2021

Erik Eckert, 34
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
10 years
Oct. 12, 2021

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/us-navy-petty-officer-pleads-guilty-participating-multi-state-anabolic-steroid