Fla. man pleads guilty in steroid probe

A co-owner of a Florida clinic pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy as part of an investigation into illegal interstate steroid sales.

Prosecutors allege the operators of Palm Beach Rejuvenation helped issue prescriptions for steroids through Signature Pharmacy, the Orlando, Fla.-business at the center of the investigation.

Joseph Raich, a co-owner of the rejuvenation clinic, was charged this month with 28 counts, including charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, Raich agreed to plead guilty to one count of fourth-degree conspiracy, pay $200,000 in restitution and cooperate against the remaining defendants in exchange for five years' probation.

"The cooperation of Mr. Raich has shed new light on the inner workings of Signature Pharmacy, and we will continue to aggressively pursue our case against the remaining defendants," Albany County District Attorney David Soares said.

Raich, 44, of Jupiter, Fla., is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in the case.

Two brothers who also co-own the rejuvenation clinic, Glen and George Stephanos, have pleaded not guilty to illegally selling steroids and hormones.

About a half-dozen other defendants in multiple states have cases pending against them in the sprawling investigation.