Agents cleared of wrongdoing in Bonds’ case

SAN FRANCISCO — The government’s lead sports doping investigator and several other Internal Revenue Service agents have been cleared of any wrongdoing in a raid on the home of Barry Bonds’ personal trainer.

When federal agents raided the home of Bonds’ trainer, Greg Anderson, on Sept. 3, 2003, they seized $63,920 from a safe and a drawer in his kitchen. Less than a month later, $600 went missing, and several IRS agents, including BALCO investigator Jeff Novitzky, were placed under investigation.

According to court documents filed Thursday, the IRS’ yearlong internal investigation concluded that “it did not identify who was responsible for taking the missing $600.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

But the investigation has become an issue in Bonds’ upcoming trial and in the case of cyclist Tammy Thomas, who was convicted last year of lying to a grand jury when she denied using steroids.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ordered prosecutors last week to turn over the 136-page IRS report to Bonds’ attorneys. Whether they can or will use the report to cross examine Novitzky when he testifies for the government remains to be seen.

Bonds’ lead attorney Allen Ruby declined comment.

Illston barred Thomas’ attorney from questioning Novitzky about the investigation during her April 2008 trial. The judge ruled the raid on Anderson’s house had nothing to do with the cyclist’s case, though she said it might have been relevant in the original BALCO criminal case that charged Anderson, BALCO founder Victor Conte and two others with steroids dealing. Anderson, Conte and the others pleaded guilty in 2005 before their cases went to trial.

Thomas’ attorney Ethan Balogh recently was given a copy of the full report by the prosecution. In a motion Thursday, he said he was provided with an incomplete synopsis of the IRS internal investigation before the start of the cyclist’s April 2008 trial. His filing seeking permission to share the report with his client included a copy of the document.

Although the synopsis mentioned missing money, Balogh said it did not contain information that the IRS investigated allegations in the media that Novitzky was targeting Bonds for personal reasons and that he planned to write a book about the BALCO investigation.

Novitzky told the IRS agent investigating him that any comments about a book deal “could have been a misconstrued comment that was made as a joke and overheard incorrectly by others,” according to the IRS report.

Novitzky was cleared of those allegations as well.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett AquaSox pitcher Nick Payero throws a pitch during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Montes, Suisbel homer as Frogs win

Lazaro Montes and Luis Suisbel each hit fifth-inning home… Continue reading

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett. Hovde, who died in 2024, will be inducted into the EvCC Hall of Fame along with others on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC to induct 5 athletes, 1 team into HOF Thursday

A record-setting rebounder, a dual-threat pitcher, a cross country… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners hits a single during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Seattle. (Stephen Brashear / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh is blasting his way toward a historic season

When the owners of the Seattle Mariners gathered last week for a… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 25-31

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 25-31. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams (5) puts up a shot over Dallas Wings forward Teaira McCowan (15) at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on June 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm)
Storm brew fourth-quarter run to beat Wings

SEATTLE – Gabby Williams scored 18 points, and the Seattle Storm went… Continue reading

Simon VanderWel of King's throws the shot put during the May 29-31, 2025 Class 1A state track and field meet at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima.  (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
King’s wins boys and girls state high school track titles

King’s High School brought home two state titles on Saturday,… Continue reading

Kimberly Beard of King's prepares to release a throw during the Washington Hammer State Championships at The Evergreen State College in Olympia on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
King’s Kimberly Beard wins state hammer throw title

Kimberly Beard of King’s High School dominated the girls division… Continue reading

Lake Stevens junior Keira Isabelle Tupua winds up to throw the discus at the WIAA Track & Field State Championships in Tacoma, Washington on May 30, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Keira Isabelle Tupua overcomes family turmoil at track & field state

The Lake Stevens junior places top four in two events while missing her biggest supporter.

Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27), cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and safety Coby Bryant (8) convene during Seahawks OTAs on Monday June 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks defense sets high standard: ‘We want to be No. 1’

The Seattle Seahawks’ offense looks much different than it did… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Mateo Ganje, left, receives the baton from Isaiah Owens in the 4A boys 4x100 relay final on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Glacier Peak’s Ganje goes three-for-three on podium

Glacier Peak boys, Lake Stevens girls 4x100 each place second at 4A state track championships.

Shorecrest senior Jackson Sketchley winds up for his third attempt, where he set the winning mark of 194 feet-eight inches, in the 3A Boys Javelin Throw at the WIAA Track & Field State Championships at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Washington on May 31, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorecrest’s Sketchley wins 3A Boys Javelin at state

The senior is the lone 3A boys athlete from the area to win a title.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.