2 Hermosa Beach Officers Fined in Steroids Incident at Border

Two Hermosa Beach police officers were detained and then fined by U.S. Customs agents for attempting to smuggle steroids into the country from Mexico, officials in the small South Bay city said Monday.

Hermosa Beach police said they have launched an internal affairs investigation of the incident. The officers have been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the probe.

“It’s a serious matter and we’re taking it seriously,” Lt. Mark Wright said Monday.

Wright declined to name the officers, saying the investigation involved a confidential personnel matter. Sources, however, identified them as Lance McColgan, on the force for two years, and Bill Charles, a five-year veteran.

In a written statement, Hermosa Beach police said the two officers were detained June 1 at the border.

They allegedly failed to declare pharmaceuticals purchased over the counter at a Tijuana pharmacy, the statement said.

“It was a small amount, clearly indicative of personal use,” a source said Monday.

Sources said the pair bought a steroid called Sostenon. Steroids are popular among weightlifters and bodybuilders. Sources said both officers are dedicated lifters.

Possession of steroids is a misdemeanor under California law. At the border, Customs agents detained the pair and then fined them, considering it an “administrative violation,” Hermosa Beach police said in the written statement.

Customs officials do not have plans to file criminal charges against the officers, according to the statement. Agents did, however, notify Hermosa Beach police “of the violation and the involvement of the officers,” the statement said.

Neither McColgan nor Charles could be located Monday for comment.

In Hermosa Beach, an internal affairs investigation can stretch out for weeks or months as police gather facts and then prepare a possible hearing.

Ultimately, Police Chief Val Straser must issue an order that could involve disciplinary action; the officers would then have the right to appeal that order. Straser was on vacation and could not be reached.