Jacksonville man indicted in federal doping conspiracy allegedly aimed at track meets and 2024 Paris Olympics
Federal charge alleges a plot to use performance-enhancing drugs to influence elite track competitions
A federal grand jury has indicted a Jacksonville man on an allegation that he joined a doping conspiracy designed to influence major international track competitions, including events connected to the run-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The defendant, Paul Alexander Askew, 46, is charged with conspiracy to influence a major international sports competition by doping. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison if he is convicted. Federal prosecutors also gave notice that they intend to seek forfeiture of assets alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Timeframe and competitions listed in the indictment
The indictment alleges the conspiracy operated from about July 10, 2023, through about January 31, 2024, and involved providing performance-enhancing drugs to an athlete with the goal of affecting outcomes at high-profile meets.
The competitions named in the charging document span prominent U.S. and international stages, including:
- 2023 Ed Murphey Classic
- 2023 Xiamen Diamond League
- 2023 Prefontaine Classic
- 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championship
- 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships
- 2024 United States Olympic Trials
- 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
What the case signals about U.S. anti-doping enforcement
The charge is part of a federal enforcement approach that treats certain doping conspiracies not only as sports-integrity violations but as criminal conduct when aimed at corrupting major international competitions. In prior federal cases, prosecutors have used the same anti-doping framework to bring charges tied to Olympic-related performance-enhancing drug distribution schemes, with at least one case resulting in a prison sentence.
An indictment is a formal accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigation and next steps
The investigation has been led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Court proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, including the nature of any performance-enhancing substances involved, the alleged roles of co-conspirators, and whether the alleged conduct meets the legal standard for influencing a “major international sports competition” under federal law.