Cop, allegedly selling
illicit drug, gets bail
A Honolulu police officer arrested for allegedly dealing in human growth hormone was released from federal custody after posting bail yesterday pending trial.
Federal Magistrate Kevin Chang ordered the release of Eddie Belluomini, 32, on condition that he undergo electronic monitoring and comply with a 9 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew and not withdraw any funds from his pension plan.
Belluomini was also ordered to post a $50,000 unsecured bond and stay away from illicit drugs or from people who may be using them. Although he has not been charged with using drugs, he must also submit to a drug assessment and undergo treatment if needed.
Deputy federal defender Alexander Silvert said his client, who has been at the federal detention center since Friday, is relieved to be out.
"It's never good for a police officer to be in custody, period, because of the dangers he can face from retaliation by other inmates."
Belluomini, a local bodybuilder, was arrested Friday for allegedly distributing Serostim without a prescription. Serostim has become popular among competitive bodybuilders for its steroidlike qualities.
The drug, which can only be acquired with a prescription, was approved by the federal government primarily to treat patients dying from AIDS or to treat infant dwarfism.
A preliminary hearing has been set for June 10, however, Belluomini is expected to be formally charged by a federal grand jury in the next two weeks, Silvert said. The offense is punishable by a maximum of five years in federal prison.
According to an affidavit, Belluomini sold two boxes of Serostim to an FBI informant last November. At one of three meetings with the informant, Belluomini arrived in uniform and in his private patrol car with the blue dome light. He was also seen conducting three similar transactions in April and May this year, the affidavit said.
A police officer for the past 10 years, Belluomini will be placed on leave without pay effective tomorrow, said Michelle Yu, Honolulu Police Department spokeswoman.
He has been on leave with pay and was stripped of his badge and gun shortly after his arrest.