'Not Guilty' Says Former Newtown Police Sergeant Accused of Selling Steroids

Former Newtown police Sgt. Steven Santucci and civilian dispatcher Jason Chickos both pleaded “not guilty” along with five other defendants in response to charges they manufactured and sold steroids and other illegal drugs, sometimes within Newtown Police headquarters.

Santucci entered the plea during an arraignment in Hartford Superior Court today.

Jury selection was set in court today with a scheduled date of July 14.

It is alleged that Santucci was the head of a wide-spread Connecticut drug trafficking ring since 2011, collaborating with Chickos who acted like his right hand man and often left steroid packages for Santucci on his desk at the Newtown Police Department, according to an affidavit provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut.

Related:

• Newtown Police Commissioners to Examine Procedures After Sergeant Arrested for Steroids
• Former Newtown Cop Indicted in Steroid Case
• Affidavit: Former Newtown Cop Took $30k Safari, Cruises While Selling Steroids
• Newtown Police Chief Condemns ‘Sordid Actions’ by Santucci, Local Officials ‘Saddened’
• Affidavit: Newtown Cop Completed Illegal Drug Deals Inside Department Building
• Update: Newtown Police Sergeant, Dispatcher Arrested in Alleged Steroid Ring Bust

The affidavit includes detailed evidence of text messaging between Santucci and his distributors. Santucci deposited nearly $300,000 in cash deposits into his bank account between 2011 and 2014, above his approximate $82,000 yearly salary with the Newtown PD, the affidavit shows. Credit card statements also show he flew first-class to Europe, Africa, and South America, spending about $310,000 on travel expenses, including more than $30,000 on an African safari.

The Newtown Board of Commissioners said in a statement on May 13 that they will be examining departmental procedures and called the alleged actions unacceptable and disturbing.

Santucci resigned after he was arrested. Both Santucci and Chickos face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.

Patch File Photo

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