The Associated Press

Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 12:09 PM

NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey personal trainer was charged Wednesday with conspiring to distribute illegal steroids after federal agents found nearly 90,000 units of the drugs in his residence along with shipping materials.

Sixty-year-old Richard Gray of Port Reading in Middlesex County was charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, a crime that carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence upon conviction.
Gray appeared in court in Newark in shackles and in a black T-shirt and sweatpants and was ordered released on $50,000 bail. He didn't speak during the brief proceeding except to acknowledge that he understood the judge's instructions.

"It's very early in the process and he's facing some very serious charges," his attorney, Matthew Eichen, said after the hearing. "As discovery is ongoing we'll know (more), and in the meantime we'll continue to represent him the best we can."

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark, a routine inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents last month revealed a package from China containing illegal steroids. Agents traced the package to Gray, and a search of his home allegedly uncovered about 89,000 units of steroids. Agents also allegedly found shipping labels, packing materials and Western Union receipts.

The drugs were labeled and organized in boxes and trays and placed on metal shelves, authorities said. Others were stored in gallon-sized plastic bags

Approximately 87,000 pills were seized, along with a few thousand vials and glass bottles.

Gray was initially charged in Middlesex County, Eichen said, before the case was moved to federal court due to the interstate nature of the alleged crimes.