[Dan_]

The chiseled professional wrestler suspected of last week's murder-suicide was prescribed a 10-month supply of steroids at least every four weeks, according to a federal indictment Monday of his Carrollton doctor.

Though he wasn't charged with putting steroids into the hands of wrestler Chris Benoit, Astin was indicted on seven counts of distributing excessive amounts of pain and anxiety medicine and an amphetamine to two people in Carrollton. The recipients were not identified beyond their initials, M.J. and O.G.

Over two years, Nahmias said the doctor prescribed more than 1 million doses of drugs such as steroids, painkillers and anxiety medicine. Many of the prescriptions were undated, a violation of federal law.

Astin pleaded not guilty. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

If he makes his $125,000 bond, Astin will be confined to his home and will be required to wear an electronic monitor.

The investigation of the Benoit family deaths led to the federal charges. Police say the wrestling star killed his wife, his 7-year-old son and himself on the weekend of June 24 at their Fayette County home.

Injectable steroids were found at the crime scene. Nahmias said Astin was indicted quickly so pharmacists will stop filling his prescriptions.

Last week, Astin's office and home in Carrollton were raided by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local investigators.

Law enforcement was aware of Astin even before the Benoit deaths, the federal government said.

"Dr. Astin has been the subject of concern for excessive and/or suspicious prescribing activity by the Carrollton, Georgia [State] Police Department and local area pharmacies," the federal search warrant says.

The search warrant says Astin prescribed an excessive amount of steroids to Benoit.

"Dr. Astin has been identified as prescribing, on average, a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Mr. Benoit every three to four weeks from May 4, 2006 through May 9, 2007," the warrant says. The information was gleaned through prescription records from Jones Pharmacy in Fayetteville.

Steroids can help athletes improve their performance. But they can also trigger violent outbursts known as "'roid rage."

"Dr. Astin allegedy prescribed such drugs like candy, with little regard for appropriate medical practice or the recipients' health," Nahmias said. Benoit's name also surfaced in a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation of a weight-loss company the feds are now prosecuting.

"In a DEA investigation of Rx Weight Loss ... Mr. Benoit was previously identified as an excessive purchaser of injectable steroids," the search warrant says.

The indictment says Astin prescribed unusually large amounts of Percocet, Vicoprofen, Xanax and Lorcet between April 2004 and September 2005 in Carrollton. The drugs are used in the treatment of pain or anxiety.

Many of Astin's friends, patients and relatives showed up for the hearing, and some had to stand outside the small courtroom.

"We love you Doc Astin," a woman cried as Astin was led away in shackles.

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballarde said Monday he has no plans to file criminal charges against anyone in the case.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the start of the weekend when the killings occurred.

Toxicology tests on Benoit's body have not been completed, Ballard said.

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