Dr. Anthony Galea, doctor of several high-profile clients including Tiger Woods and Alex Rodriguez, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to smuggling unapproved drugs into the United States.
According to Huffington Post, Galea brought human growth hormone among other drugs into the United States unlawfully to treat pro athletes. Galea, a healing specialist from Toronto, has had contact with some of the biggest names in major league sports.
Back in October, Galea was indicted by the federal grand jury with charges that he smuggled human growth hormone along with other substances into the United States. He also is said to have lied to border agents in order to avoid getting caught. Galea will face similar charges in the courts of Canada. Meanwhile, some of his U.S. charges were dismissed.
Galea was in fact not licensed to work in the United States and is accused of treating approximately 20 professional athletes at their homes, hotels, and friend’s houses. The treatment lasted from October 2007 to September 2009.
Although Galea is in hot water, no professional athletes have identified as clients. However, prosecutors believe they include golfers, baseball players, among others. Galea pleaded guilty and therefore does not need a trial. It’s likely that evidence and witness statements provided will reveal information regarding which athletes Galea treated.
Before sentencing on October 19, Galea agreed to forfeit $275,000. According to sources he could receive up to two years in prison for the charges against him.
Tiger Woods has come forward saying that he has been treated by Galea but never received any form of performance-enhancing drugs. New York Mets’ Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran have also been cooperating with federal authorities regarding the case against Galea throughout the investigation.
