Mansfield Police Assist International Steriod Ring Bust

MANSFIELD, MA — Mansfield police assisted the Department of Homeland Security, as well as Massachusetts and Rhode Island law enforcement, in the investigation and bust of what the RI Department of Justice called the illegal importation, preparation, rebranding, and distribution of steroids throughout the United States, and the laundering of proceeds from the sale of the illegal drugs. Four were arrested in the sweep, including David Esser, 46, of North Attleboro, who court documents said was the leaders of the conspiracy.

RI DOJ said the operation involved importing large quantities of raw steroids from international suppliers, mostly from Hong Kong, that included multiple kilograms. Court documents said Esser then arranged to have the raw steroids "cooked" into liquid form, packaged in plastic vials and shipped to a stash house in North Attleboro.

The DOJ said the steroids were then prepared for distribution out of North Attleboro home through shipments from several U.S. Post Offices, including Providence. Money obtained through the sales was then laundered using multiple bank accounts and payments that included cash and cryptocurrency.

Mansfield Police Chief Ronald Sellon, along with U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman, Homeland Security Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Moline and North Attleboro Police Chief John J. Reilly on Wednesday announced the arrest of Esser, James McLaughlin, 34, of North Attleboro, Alison Esser, 41, of North Attleboro, and Mason Nieves, 27, of Providence.

They were charged in federal court on intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute, possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to import schedule III and IV controlled substances, as well as manufacturing and distributing controlled substances, importation of controlled substances into the United States, trafficking in counterfeit goods, smuggling goods into the United States, wire fraud and money laundering.

The defendants were arraigned in U.S. District Court and released on unsecured bond. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.