Jorge Navarro, the self-proclaimed “Juice Man” and a central figure in the doping scandal that rocked the sport in 2020, was released Wednesday from the federal prison FCI Miami, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator website.
On December 17, 2021, Navarro was handed a five-year sentence for his leading role in the felony drug misbranding and adulteration charges arising from an investigation that involved the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. He began serving his sentence on March 18, 2022.
Had he served his full sentence he would not have been released until March, 2027. Parole does not exist when inmates are in federal custody, but Navarro’s attorney Jason Kreiss said there are other avenues inmates can use to get an early release from the prison.
“You are correct, the federal system does not have parole but it does afford defendants avenues to reduce their time through the Bureau of Prisons,” said Kreiss, who said he had yet to talk to Navarro.
“There are programs that can be completed that would aid an inmate in reducing their prison sentence.”
Navarro served only three years and three months of his sentence or 65% of the original five-year sentence. At the sentencing Judge Mary K. Vyskocil lamented the fact that she could not give Navarro a stiffer sentence than the five years.
“For years, Mr. Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys you competed against,” Judge Vyskocil said at his sentencing. “You also demonstrated, Mr. Navarro, a collective, callous disregard for the well-being of the horses. The bottom line is you likely killed or endangered the horses in your care.”
It was not known where Navaro went Wednesday, but his stay in the U.S. may not last long. Before his client was sentenced, Kreiss said that it was all but certain that Navarro would be deported to his native Panama after serving his sentence. He is not a U.S. citizen.
Kreiss said Wednesday that with Donald Trump in office, Navarro’s chances of being able to remain in the country are not good.
“Because of the fact he is not a U.S. citizen, he is ineligible for the programs that others can take advantage of,” Kreiss said. “(Deportation) is certainly a concern with this administration. That’s what we don’t know. What is ICE is going to do with him at this point? With this administration these types of situations are very unpredictable. In the past he would have most likely been released and if there was an immigration detainer, he’d be able to post a bond on the immigration detainer. With this administration and their denial of due process for non-US citizens we just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Trainer Jason Servis, the other major name in the case, is serving his sentence at Pensacola FPC and is not scheduled to be released until 7-16-26.
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