Dr. Galea's assistant pleads guilty

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The criminal case against a Toronto doctor, who treated A-list athletes, took a dramatic turn in Buffalo. Dr. Anthony Galea's assistant has now pleaded guilty.

32-year-old Mary Anne Catalano took a felony plea to making a false statement at the border to Customs Agents at the Peace Bridge. She was taking medical supplies to her boss, Dr. Anthony Galea, who was at a convention in Washington, D.C. Catalano has admitted that the drugs were going to be used for the treatment of a well-known athlete by Dr. Galea in Washington, D.C.

Originally, Catalano faced charges of smuggling performance enhancing drugs and drugs used to aid healing not approved by the FDA. Thursday's plea deal before Federal Judge Richard Arcara includes her cooperation with federal authorities. Her sentence could be reduced for the maximum of five years in prison to just zero to six months.

When Judge Arcara asked Catalano why she did it, Catalano broke down in tears, crying, "It was just a lapse of judgment. He (Dr. Galea) was my employer and someone I've known since I was 15-years-old. In the end, I didn't think he would put me in this position."

Catalano has cooperated with U.S. authorities since the beginning when she was arrested at the border. She has admitted to helping Dr. Galea in the U.S. 20 times before her arrest.

There's been a criminal complaint filed against Dr. Galea by U.S. authorities, who are continuing their investigation.

>>>For more details on Thursday's guilty plea by Catalano, follow this link