Mark Bertanza, Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution, Connecticut 2023

A Shelton man has been sentenced for his involvement in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring, according to court documents.

Mark Bertanza, 34, was sentenced to three years of probation by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford for his role in the conspiracy.

The court also ordered Bertanza to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $1000 fine.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations, revealed that Bertanza purchased anabolic steroids from Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and distributed them to others.

The investigation also uncovered that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

Law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns during the investigation.

Bertanza pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids on October 16, 2015.

Santucci pleaded guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering offenses on December 9, 2015, and awaits sentencing.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.

Mandatory facts: Defendant’s full name is Mark Bertanza, the exact criminal charges are conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, the city and state are Shelton, Connecticut, the exact date of the sentencing is not provided, the sentence or outcome is three years of probation, 120 hours of community service, and a $1000 fine.

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