How PJ Braun Faced the FDA and Navigated the Fallout of His Legal Troubles
In the third episode of A Conversation With PJ Braun, host Vlad Yudin continues his in-depth discussion with PJ Braun, former owner of Blackstone Labs. This episode sheds light on the legal battles PJ Braun faced, the impact on his personal and professional life, and his reflections on the U.S. legal system. With candid insights and personal anecdotes, Braun delves into the complexities of his case, the challenges of prison, and the future of Blackstone Labs.
In previous episodes of our conversation with PJ Braun, he detailed what it was like to physically be in prison and also provided details on his current probation and inability to work in supplements for the time being. This week, we dive into the trial that led to PJ’s prison sentence – and the tense rollercoaster of fighting for his innocence (that ultimately failed).
Let’s dive into it with our episode recap below.
View this post on Instagram
Realization of Unavoidable Jail Time
Vlad Yudin opens the conversation by asking PJ Braun what was the exact moment that he realized that jail time was inevitable. PJ explains that he did not believe he was going to prison until the very end of the legal process. He describes how the government built a case against Blackstone Labs, targeting multiple individuals with conspiracy charges to defraud the government. The core accusation was that they mislisted dietary supplements to sell illegal substances.
PJ Braun maintains that Blackstone Labs did not intentionally sell illegal substances. He argues that the substances in question were not on the banned list when their products were manufactured and marketed. However, once conspiracy charges are filed, the government digs deep to gather evidence and pressure individuals to turn on each other.
PJ Braun recounts how one employee cut a deal with the government and provided damaging information, including allegations that PJ forced employees to use steroids. PJ clarifies that he only encouraged legal TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) for health benefits.
The turning point came when PJ’s partner, Aaron Singerman, under personal pressure from incidents like a boating DUI, eventually cooperated with the government. This left PJ with a weakened defense, leading his lawyers to advise accepting a plea deal to avoid a harsher sentence. PJ, considering his family, chose to take the deal, which shifted the focus to minimizing his jail time.
The Impact of the Case on Public Perception
Vlad Yudin then asks about the public’s perception of PJ Braun and Blackstone Labs following the trial. PJ acknowledges that many people believed the narrative that he and Singerman were spiking products with steroids.
He vehemently denies these allegations, explaining the legal nuances of “mislabeling dietary supplements.” He uses the example of SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators), which are legally sold for research purposes but marketed to the supplement crowd, to illustrate common industry practices.
If any single one of these brands selling SARMs were caught for marketing to consumers for recreational and athletic use – they would be issued the same kind of indictment as Blackstone Labs. While this does not change the contents of the actual ingredients in the products – it is considered mislabeling.
It’s this exact kind of reasoning that applies to Blackstone Labs. While PJ Braun never intended to place banned substances in his products – he wants it to be made clear that he was never actively mislabeling ingredients. Ever Blackstone Labs product stated accurately what was in the product. The government simply decided two of the ingredients were illegal and should not have been sold to consumers.
PJ Braun defends Blackstone Labs’ product, Super DMZ, which contained two ingredients in a legal grey area at the time. He insists that they continued selling the product with clear labeling, believing it was safe and beneficial for their customers. Typically, the government would issue a notice before banning substances, giving companies time to comply, but this process was bypassed in their case.
Financial and Personal Costs of the Legal Battle
PJ Braun reveals the staggering cost of his legal defense, amounting to $4.2 million. This immense financial burden further strained his resources and highlighted the severity of the prosecution’s efforts to take him down.
Reflecting on the U.S. legal system, PJ Braun offers advice to others facing similar situations: if multiple individuals are involved, it’s best to stick together and negotiate the best plea deal. Fighting the charges often leads to a grueling and costly process with little chance of success. Despite his release, PJ continues to face challenges, such as some banks refusing to provide services due to his criminal record.
The Prosecution’s Focus
Vlad Yudin asks who spearheaded the prosecution and why they targeted PJ so intensely. PJ identifies the FDA as the primary agency involved. He speculates that his and Aaron Singerman’s lavish lifestyle and flaunting of wealth on social media may have drawn the FDA’s attention, prompting them to dig deeper into their business practices. This lifestyle, combined with public displays of success, likely painted a target on their backs.
Intentional Product Spiking in the Industry
Discussing intentional product spiking, PJ Braun believes it is unlikely among major national brands due to rigorous manufacturing standards and multiple quality checks. However, smaller manufacturers might inadvertently produce contaminated products to save costs.
He cites the example of Ryan Garcia’s failed drug test, emphasizing that contamination is more probable in smaller operations, not well-established companies like Nutrabio.
Preparing for Prison
PJ Braun recounts his preparation for prison, hoping for a self-surrender typical for white-collar crimes. Instead, he was unexpectedly handcuffed and sent to county jail without a chance to say goodbye to his family. It took four months of being moved between jails before he reached the designated prison camp. By then, he appreciated the relative freedom of the prison yard compared to the cramped conditions of county jails.
Wrap Up
Episode three of A Conversation With PJ Braun provides a comprehensive look into PJ Braun’s legal struggles, the public’s misconceptions, and his reflections on the experience. It highlights the challenges of maintaining a business under legal duress and the personal cost of navigating the U.S. legal system. As PJ continues to rebuild his life and career, his story serves as a powerful example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
