Steven Santucci, a Newtown Police sergeant, was arrested for illegal distribution of steroid and prescription drugs. Photo: Contributed Photo, The Newtown Bee
HARFORD — The former Newtown police sergeant accused of distributing steroids and prescription drugs pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court in Hartford, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut said.
Steven Santucci, of Waterbury, and seven other men were indicted by a federal grand jury last week. He and six others pleaded not guilty yesterday and an eighth suspect is scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.
Another suspect is a Newtown civilian dispatcher — Bridgeport resident Jason Chickos — who authorities said conducted drug deals with Santucci inside the police department.
Santucci has resigned, but Chickos has been on leave.
Jury selection for the case, which has been labeled “Operation Juice Box,” is scheduled for July 14.
Investigators said Santucci had been receiving shipments of steroids and other materials from China since 2011 and was manufacturing and distributing large quantities of steroids, Xanax, oxycodone, and counterfeit Cialis.