One of the longest criminal trials in the history of federal court here could end soon as a jury will begin deliberating Thursday afternoon over the fate of former Pittsburgh Steelers doctor Richard Rydze, accused of illegally prescribing steroids, human grown hormone and painkillers.
Mr. Rydze, 66, a Steelers and UPMC internist until 2007, went on trial in U.S. District court on Jan. 9 following a lengthy investigation by the FBI.
He is accused of 185 counts related to trafficking of steroids, HGH and narcotic painkillers as well as obstruction of justice in what the Justice Department says was an attempt to get his brother to lie for him when the FBI began examining his prescribing habits.