Nutrition shop owner charged with selling steroids

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Chris Lilley's goal was to make people fit. He owned the Extreme Nutrition and Smoothie shop in Sarasota on Bee Ridge Road. But deputies say the real extreme was the illegal steroids he was selling.

"There was a significant amount of steroids. We not only purchased, but found yesterday during a search warrant," said Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Wendy Rose.

More than 600 pills were confiscated, including Oxandrolone and Stanozolol, authorities said.

"Steroids are not only illegal, they are dangerous. There can be adverse side effects," Rose said.

According to his Facebook page, Lilley is an avid bodybuilder and he's even competed on stage. When FOX 13 tried asking him about the allegations Wednesday, he sped off without saying a word.

One of Lilley's neighbors was surprised to learn of his arrest.

"It is sad, really. I've conversed with the dude a lot. I didn't expect it," neighbor David Coyle said.

Lilley is facing a several drug charges, including sale of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. More charges are pending, deputies said.