Thread: Ex-Philly cop pleads in steroids ring case

Ex-Philly cop pleads in steroids ring case
By Michael Hinkelman



Former Philadelphia policeman Joseph McIntyre.

An ex-Philadelphia cop implicated by the feds in April in an illegal anabolic steroid distribution ring pleaded guilty in federal district court Tuesday.

Joseph McIntyre, 36, of Atmore Road near Elnora in the far Northeast, remains free on bail. He is to be sentenced on Dec. 5.

McIntyre pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and two counts of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

The government's plea memo said McIntyre, who was a 14-year veteran of the department and had worked most recently in the 26th District, bought steroids from fellow officer Keith Gidelson and resold them.

Authorities said Gidelson, who has pleaded not guilty, ran the steroid distribution ring out of his Northeast Philadelphia home on Waldemire Drive.

The plea memo said federal agents intercepted cellphone calls and text messages between Gidelson and McIntyre that demonstrated McIntyre discussed acquiring steroids from Gidelson's suppliers, as well as specific types of steroids for McIntyre's customers and their uses and effects.

Nicholas Pinto, an attorney for McIntyre, was not immediately available for comment.

A third ex-officer, George Sambuca, was also charged in the case. He, too, was accused of buying steroids from Gidelson and reselling them. He has also pleaded not guilty.

Phila.delph.i.a.