W-B man sentenced to state prison in deli robbery

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Trial for 2013 homicide in Wilkes-Barre starts with changed story from witness

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; A Lackawanna County man is the latest to plead guilty to involvement with a steroid ring.</p><p>Nicholas Baloga, 45, of Scranton, admitted Monday in Luzerne County Court to one felony count each of possession with intent to deliver anabolic steroids and criminal use of a communication facility, according to court papers.</p><p>Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. scheduled the man&#8217;s sentencing for Oct. 6.</p><p>Court documents indicate prosecutors will discontinue their pursuit of additional charges against Baloga at that time.</p><p>Baloga was one of 13 people arrested in a multi-county investigation of two drug rings spearheaded by the state Office of Attorney General known as &#8220;Operation Gym Candy.&#8221;</p><p>Employed as a Lackawanna County prison guard at the time of his arrest, Baloga allegedly showed up to drug transactions wearing a prison guard&#8217;s identification.</p><p>According to court papers, Baloga remains free on bail.</p><p>Four other suspects have entered guilty pleas in recent weeks.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Baloga </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_BALOGA-NICHOLAS.jpg</photo0><caption0>Baloga </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By James O&#8217;Malley</p><p>jomalley@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach James O&#8217;Malley at 570-991-6390 or on Twitter @TL_omalley.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

‘Operation Gym Candy’ suspect Nicholas Baloga pleads guilty