Gym owner arrested in sale of steroids
Under federal law, the gym can be seized if the owner is found guilty of a drug-related crime.
01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 13, 2005
By ARTHUR KIMBALL-STANLEY
Journal Staff Writer
CUMBERLAND.RI -- The owner of Powerhouse Fitness Gym Center, on Mendon Road, has been arrested by state police in connection with the production and distribution of anabolic steroids from the business, the police said.
Kenneth Peckham, 36, of 58 Youngs Ave., West Warwick, was taken into custody June 28 after state police detectives and U.S. Marshals raided his home and business and found, according to state police Lt. LeRoy Rose, "a large quantity of steroids."
The arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi agreed to a request from the U.S. Attorney's office on Monday to put a restraining order on Peckham's fitness center. According to court documents, the gym will remain open and operational for at least the next 90 days and Peckham will not be allowed to sell any of the business' assets or send revenues to accounts different from those to which they were being sent before his arrest.
Property used to commit drug-related crimes is subject to forfeiture, according to federal law. If a grand jury finds that there is enough evidence to send Peckham to trial within the three-month period mandated under the restraining order, the federal government will assume control of the gym until the case is decided.
Citing the need for the restraining order, court documents state that Peckham "has a history of putting property he owns in the names of others and conce****g his ownership interest."
Peckham was released on personal recognizance after his arrest and his case was sent to the attorney general's office.
Anabolic steroids are an illegal substance, if taken without a prescription, that are sometimes taken by athletes to increase their strength.
