Jacksonville Man Charged in Doping Scheme Reaching from Local Tracks to Paris Olympics

Federal prosecutors allege Paul Alexander Askew conspired to supply performance-enhancing drugs to an athlete competing in major events.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged a 46-year-old Jacksonville man, Paul Alexander Askew, with conspiring to provide performance-enhancing drugs to an athlete who competed and planned to compete in multiple major track and field events, including the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Askew faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing battle against doping in elite sports, with federal authorities taking action to crack down on the supply chain of prohibited substances. The alleged scheme's reach from local meets to the Olympics underscores the global nature of doping concerns and the need for coordinated anti-doping efforts.

The details

According to the federal indictment, Askew conspired to supply prohibited substances to an unnamed athlete from July 2023 through January 2024. The alleged events where the athlete competed or planned to compete include the Ed Murphey Classic, Xiamen Diamond League, Prefontaine Classic, 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championships, 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, U.S. Olympic Trials, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

  • The alleged conspiracy ran from July 10, 2023, through January 31, 2024.
  • Askew was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida.

The players

Paul Alexander Askew

A 46-year-old Jacksonville man accused of conspiring to provide performance-enhancing drugs to an athlete.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutors handling the case, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

Drug Enforcement Administration

The federal agency that investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

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What’s next

Askew is expected to be arraigned in federal court, and standard pretrial scheduling and discovery will follow. The court has not yet announced a specific arraignment date.

The takeaway

This case underscores the global reach of doping in sports and the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and anti-doping agencies to combat the supply and use of performance-enhancing drugs, even at the highest levels of competition.