Biogenesis founder Bosch pleads guilty

Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Former Biogensis of America owner Tony Bosch pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Thursday for conspiracy to distribute testosterone to a number of Major League Baseball players, including Alex Rodriguez.

Bosch, whose now-defunct anti-aging clinic was the center of an extensive investigation by MLB last summer that led to the suspensions of 15 players for using performance-enhancing substances, was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration officials in August. The 51-year-old was initially released on $100,000 bond, but later ordered into custody after violating his probation by testing positive for cocaine.

According to the Miami New Times, U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles released Bosch on a new bond under the conditions he enter a drug treatment center until his sentencing date, which was set for Dec. 18.

Bosch faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, though he’s expected to receive a lesser penalty for his cooperation with MLB in its probe of the Biogenesis scandal.

His testimony led to the Commissioners Office levying an unprecedented 211- game suspension of Rodriguez that ran through the entire 2014 season. 2011 National League MVP Ryan Braun and 2014 American League home run champion Nelson Cruz were among the players who received lighter bans after being connected to Biogenesis.

Six other former Biogenesis employees are also facing drug distribution charges as part of the DEA’s takedown, with Bosch’s attorney previously stating that his client will agree to testify against them if their cases also go to trial.

Categorized in: MLB