HARTFORD — Jury selection, which had been slated to start on July 14 in the federal prosecution of 11 men indicted as an alleged drug trafficking ring, has been rescheduled to October 13.

Among those 11 men are Steven Santucci, 38, of Waterbury, a former Newtown police sergeant, and Jason Chickos, 46, of Bridgeport, who formerly worked as a Newtown emergency communications dispatcher. Both Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos resigned from their jobs following their arrests in late April.

The two men are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. That offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

The indictment also charges Mr Santucci with six separate counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of anabolic steroids. That offense carries the same penalties.

Additionally, the indictment charges Mr Santucci with conspiracy to launder money. That offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

The indictment against the men alleges that the criminal activity occurred between April 2009 and April 2015.

Both Mr Santucci and Mr Chickos are free on bond. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are awaiting trial. The federal investigation is ongoing.

Thomas Carson, spokesman for US Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, said July 8 that the jury selection date was delayed by three months because a few of the 11 defendants had asked for a court continuance. The 11 men would be tried together in court, unless the cases are legally severed for some reason, Mr Carson said.

According to allegations contained in court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations indicates that Mr Santucci was receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids, thus serving as the leader of the drug trafficking ring.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns, according to Ms Daly.