Moses Lake bodybuilder facing federal charges

SPOKANE - A Moses Lake man and weight lifting world record holder pleaded innocent Friday to steroids charges in U.S. District Court.

Ryan Shawn Kennelly, 38, faces federal charges of possessing equipment to make steroids, importing anabolic steroids, possession and attempts to deliver steroids and being an unlawful user of a drug while possessing firearms and ammunition, according to court documents.

Kennelly could spend up to 20 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted.

Kennelly, known as the "Bench Monster," set the world record for bench press at 1,075 pounds at the 2008 Pride Strength Wars in Kennewick.

Grant County prosecutors accused Kennelly of manufacturing marijuana and possession and intent to distribute marijuana and anabolic steroids in October 2010.

Two months later, he was charged in Benton County Superior Court with possession with intent to manufacture and deliver anabolic steroids after the Grant County Drug Task Force searched Kennelly's apartment in Kennewick. Authorities seized 84 vials of steroids during the search.

Kennelly was also accused of trying to ship steroids from Washington to California when the California State Patrol intercepted a package containing vials of steroids, according to court documents.