Former trainer Jorge Navarro was handed the maximum prison sentence of five years by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil in New York on Dec. 17. The proceedings, which were held in person, went on for 90 minutes, with Judge Vyskocil “lashing into” Navarro several times, according to the Thoroughbred Daily News.
Navarro became emotional and eventually began openly weeping in court as Judge Vyskocil characterized his actions. Navarro had entered a guilty plea to one count of drug adulteration and misbranding, after having been charged with two counts in a November 2020 superseding indictment.
“For years, Mr. Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys who you competed against,” the judge said. “You also demonstrated, Mr. Navarro, a collective, callous disregard for the well-being of the horses. Bottom line, you likely killed or endangered horses in your care.”
Defense attorneys for Navarro wrote in their pre-sentencing report that they believe the ex-horseman will almost certainly be deported at the conclusion of his sentence, based upon his immigration status. Navarro came to the United States legally from Panama 35 years ago.
He is due to begin his sentence in 60 days.
The prosecution's pre-sentencing report painted a picture of an arrogant trainer unafraid to give his horses illegal performance enhancers irrespective of their potential risk, boasting to others in text messages about his drug program, and openly admitting to some owners that their horses were being doped. Read our summary of that report here.
Navarro had already agreed to forfeit a total of $70,000, which represents the value of drugs he obtained and gave to racehorses. He has also agreed to pay restitution of $25,860,514 – representative of the amount of purse earnings he got during the illegal doping conspiracy.
Read more about the Dec. 17 sentencing hearing at Thoroughbred Daily News
The post Reports: Navarro Sobs In Court As Judge Sentences Him To Five Years In Prison For PEDs Case appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
