In today’s Los Angeles Times reports the details of Chris Benoit’s physician office raid yesterday, mentioning that charges could be made today:
Federal drug enforcement investigators raided the office of pro wrestler Chris Benoit’s doctor Thursday, and the findings could result in criminal charges by federal prosecutors as soon as today, a law enforcement official said…
Benoit’s Carrollton, Ga.-based physician, Phil Astin, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he met with the World Wrestling Entertainment star last Friday and previously had prescribed him testosterone to boost levels of the hormone that were in decline — probably caused by prior steroid use.
Less than 24 hours later, the Drug Enforcement Administration raided Astin’s office, focusing on whether Benoit’s medical records showed he was prescribed steroids, and if so, whether the prescription was necessary, a law enforcement source told the AP. A DEA spokesman said no arrests were made. Calls to Astin’s office went unanswered, and Fayette County Dist. Atty. Scott Ballard could not be reached for comment.
Prescription anabolic steroids were found inside Benoit’s home by police on Monday, and Benoit was listed as a customer of a Florida clinic whose owners pleaded guilty to illegal steroid distribution this year.
The steroid discovery raised questions about Benoit’s state of mind before the killings and his suicide. Steroids can cause violent mood swings, including depression and paranoia.
County authorities continue to investigate what prompted Benoit’s attack. WWE boss Vince McMahon appeared on NBC’s “Today” show Thursday and softened from a previous company statement that steroids could not have not resulted in the deaths, saying drug use “may or may not” have triggered the killings.
