Josh Long, Associate editorial director, Natural Products Insider

January 12, 2022

2 Min Read
Blackstone Labs co-founder faces potential bond revocation

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday requested a judge revoke the bond conditions of Aaron Singerman, a co-founder of sports supplement brand Blackstone Labs, just two weeks before he is scheduled to be sentenced for his role in the sale of illegal products marketed as dietary supplements.

Citing a probation report and conversation with a probation officer, U.S. Department of Justice lawyers expressed concern regarding Singerman’s “escalating irresponsible and dangerous behavior.”

Singerman was arrested in November for boating under the influence, which resulted in the suspension of his driver’s license and a new bond condition consistent with the latter restriction, according to the Jan. 11 court filing.

But on Jan. 7, “in flagrant violation of this court’s order and Florida law, and with total disregard for public safety, the defendant illegally drove a car, while admittedly under the influence of sleeping medication, and had a car accident,” prosecutors wrote.

The government requested immediate revocation of Singerman’s bond, as well as an order that he be held without bond, pending sentencing.

Singerman’s lawyer, James Durham, opposed the motion, according to prosecutors’ court filing. Durham did not immediately respond to an email from Natural Products Insider.

Related:Redcon1 founder enters plea agreement in Blackstone Labs case

Singerman, who also founded RedCon1, a sports supplement company, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27.

“While the sentencing is two weeks away, it is apparent that the current conditions of his release are insufficient, and that the safety of both the public and the defendant are at immediate risk,” wrote prosecutors, who requested the court allow them to appear by Zoom at any hearing regarding their motion.

After prosecutors filed their request, a motion hearing was set for Thursday, Jan. 13, in the West Palm Beach Division in the U.S. District for the Southern District of Florida before Magistrate Judge William Matthewman. Singerman was ordered to appear in person, and if he fails to do so, a warrant will be issued for his arrest, according to a court notice. The notice said the hearing will not be continued. 

The hearing was initially scheduled for 10 a.m., then changed to 1 p.m.

Singerman and Blackstone Labs co-founder Phillip (“PJ”) Braun each face up to 13 years in prison in connection with their guilty pleas to two criminal counts in a 14-count indictment: introduction of unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud and mislead, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge William Dimitrouleas is responsible for handing out any sentences to Braun and Singerman, as well as other defendants in the criminal case.

All of the defendants have pleaded guilty or, in the case of one former employee of Blackstone Labs, been convicted following a jury trial.

About the Author(s)

Josh Long

Associate editorial director, Natural Products Insider, Informa Markets Health and Nutrition

Josh Long directs the online news, feature and op-ed coverage at Natural Products Insider, which targets the health and wellness industry. He has been reporting on developments in the dietary supplement industry for over a decade, with a focus on regulatory issues, including at the Food and Drug Administration.

He has moderated and/or presented at industry trade shows, including SupplySide East, SupplySide West, Natural Products Expo West, NBJ Summit and the annual Dietary Supplement Regulatory Summit.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn and ping him with story ideas at [email protected]

Education and previous experience

Josh majored in journalism and graduated from Arizona State University the same year "Jake the Snake" Plummer led the Sun Devils to the Rose Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also holds a J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law, was admitted in 2008 to practice law in the state of Colorado and spent a year clerking for a state district court judge.

Over more than a quarter century, he’s written on various topics for newspapers and business-to-business publications – from the Yavapai in Arizona and a controversial plan for a nuclear-waste incinerator in Idaho to nuanced issues, including FDA enforcement of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).

Since the late 1990s, his articles have been published in a variety of media, including but not limited to, the Cape Cod Times (in Massachusetts), Sedona Red Rock News (in Arizona), Denver Post (in Colorado), Casper Star-Tribune (in Wyoming), now-defunct Jackson Hole Guide (in Wyoming), Colorado Lawyer (published by the Colorado Bar Association) and Nutrition Business Journal.

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