Photo Courtesy of DEA
Lemelin allegedly sold anabolic steroids to undercover cops on the grounds of the Coliseum Gym in Woodhaven.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A Brooklyn cop allegedly sold anabolic steroids to an undercover detective on the grounds of a Woodhaven gym in both October and November of this year, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.
Maurice Lemelin, 33, a borough resident who works out of the 84th Precinct, was arraigned Friday morning on a complaint charging him with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth and seventh degrees and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Lemelin was ordered to return to Court on Jan. 27, 2022.
According to the charges, on Oct. 8, Lemelin and an unapprehended other were on the grounds of the Coliseum Gym on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven. An undercover investigator met with the unapprehended suspect, who approached Lemelin as he sat inside a black Porsche sports utility vehicle in the rear parking lot of the gym. Lemelin allegedly handed the man a blue plastic bag filled with a vial of testosterone, Anavar, and Arimedex pills, which are anabolic steroids. The go-between then handed over the plastic bag of narcotics in exchange for $630 in cash from the undercover officer.
On Nov. 2, Lemelin again set up shop in Coliseum’s back parking lot. This time, the undercover was inside the gym and the unapprehended individual instructed the “buyer” to meet him at the entrance and the two walked outside to the waiting black Porsche SUV. This time, Lemelin allegedly sold him a clear blue plastic bag containing four vials of testosterone cypionate, Anavar, Arimidex and other loose pills. The undercover paid $2,200 for the steroids.
“There is no place in the New York City Police Department for criminal or unethical behavior. Our officers swear an oath to uphold the law and protect the public, and should they fail in this sacred mission, they must be held accountable,” City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said.
If convicted, Lemelin faces up to 7 years in prison.