Flynn pleads guilty in horse drugging scandal

Dick Downey of Bloodhorse.com reports today (Oct. 10) that one of the remaining unresolved cases in a massive set of racehorse doping offenses charged in New York federal courts was resolved when harness racing horseman Conor Flynn entered a plea of guilty.

Assistant United States attorney Sarah Mortazavi agreed to a penalty of time served when Flynn appeared before Judge P. Kevin Castel on Oct. 4. Castel accepted the plea to one count of conspiracy to commit drug misbranding and adulteration. Attorney Andrew Mollica represented Flynn.

Flynn’s trouble began after former harness trainer Richard Banca employed him. According to court documents, subsequent FBI wiretaps showed veterinarian Dr. Louis Grasso telling Flynn to distribute illicit substances to Banca, and Flynn later cooperated, admitting under oath he administered performance-enhancing drugs to horses at Banca’s direction. Eventually, Grasso took a plea deal involving 50 months of incarceration. Banca agreed to a 30-month deal.

Flynn will be subject to two years supervised release. A forfeiture order in the amount of $129,975.40, representing the value of forfeitable property of the offense charged, was also entered, and Flynn will be jointly and severally liable for payment with Banca.

Flynn will also be liable along with Grasso for restitution of $16,220,794 to the victims whose identities are being sealed with blessing of the court. The rationale for keeping the list of victim’s secret is to protect the recipients’ privacy interests.

by Dick Downey, reprinted with permission from Bloodhorse.com