The leading figures in the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative designer steroid case that brought down several prominent sprinters have pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors that will keep the case from going to trial.
Balco founder Victor Conte pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute steroids and one money laundering charge.
Conte's deputy, Jim Valente and Greg Anderson, the personal trainer of Major League Baseball star slugger Barry Bonds, also pleaded guilty to similar charges. The fourth man in the case, athletics coach Remi Korchemny, has not yet made a plea agreement.
Conte could receive up to four months in prison and another four months of house arrest. Anderson's agreement calls for up to six months in jail while Valente will be put on probation.
| US Athlete Marion Jones has never tested positive for drugs, but has been tainted by the BALCO scandal. (AP Photo) |
The BALCO scandal has damaged the reputations of several top track and field athletes, including former Olympic champion Marion Jones and former world record holder Tim Montgomery of the United States. Prosecutors must now decide whether to accept the deals. Sentencing is scheduled for October.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
