New York man arrested in suspected steriod ring
A New York man suspected of distributing steroids and growth hormones to alleged Lincoln dealers was arrested by federal authorities this week, Lancaster County Attorney Gary Lacey said Thursday.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Vladimir Ribartchouk in New York City Wednesday on a warrant issued by Lacey's office, Lacey said.
Lacey's office has indicated it would extradite Ribartchouk, 37, on charges of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
Authorities said earlier New York suppliers distributed the drugs to suppliers in a number of cities, including Lincoln.
The Nebraska State Patrol is spearheading the local investigation, which Lacey said was ongoing.
Asked if more arrests were likely, Lacey said: "The Nebraska State Patrol has been working on this case very hard, following up every lead. I don't know if the (investigation) will take them to other cities (but) it probably will."
Ribartchouk is suspected of mailing steroids and growth hormones to Levi Lewis and Kenny Thompson in Lincoln at least from February to November of 2004.
Lewis, Thompson and Chad Case were charged in Lancaster County Court last month with conspiring to deliver, dispense and distribute the drugs in the Lincoln area.
Patrol investigators said Lewis and Thompson ran a network of steriod users and distributors in Lincoln. Both allegedly used steroids and sold them to friends and buyers they met in gyms or at bars, investigators said.
Patrol investigator Sgt. Glenn Elwell said last month the men are suspected of selling steroids to area college athletes, although he declined to specify schools.
Elwell was out of his office Thursday and unavailable for comment.
The U.S. Postal Inspector's office was also involved in the investigation.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Vladimir Ribartchouk in New York City Wednesday on a warrant issued by Lacey's office, Lacey said.
Lacey's office has indicated it would extradite Ribartchouk, 37, on charges of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
Authorities said earlier New York suppliers distributed the drugs to suppliers in a number of cities, including Lincoln.
The Nebraska State Patrol is spearheading the local investigation, which Lacey said was ongoing.
Asked if more arrests were likely, Lacey said: "The Nebraska State Patrol has been working on this case very hard, following up every lead. I don't know if the (investigation) will take them to other cities (but) it probably will."
Ribartchouk is suspected of mailing steroids and growth hormones to Levi Lewis and Kenny Thompson in Lincoln at least from February to November of 2004.
Lewis, Thompson and Chad Case were charged in Lancaster County Court last month with conspiring to deliver, dispense and distribute the drugs in the Lincoln area.
Patrol investigators said Lewis and Thompson ran a network of steriod users and distributors in Lincoln. Both allegedly used steroids and sold them to friends and buyers they met in gyms or at bars, investigators said.
Patrol investigator Sgt. Glenn Elwell said last month the men are suspected of selling steroids to area college athletes, although he declined to specify schools.
Elwell was out of his office Thursday and unavailable for comment.
The U.S. Postal Inspector's office was also involved in the investigation.
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