Reports: 'Juice Man' Jorge Navarro freed early from prison

Jorge Navarro, convicted in connection with a 2020 horse doping scandal, was released from federal prison in Miami on Wednesday after serving three years and three months of a five-year sentence, according to multiple news reports.

Navarro's release was first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News, which reported on Thursday that he had been transfered to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Miami. 

Navarro was indicted in 2020 on federal doping charges in New York for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and administer misbranded and adulterated drugs to racehorses.

Before his arrest, Navarro was filmed with an associate bragging at a bar that he was the "Juice Man" in the world of Thoroughbred racing. 

He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2021 by U.S. District Judge Mary Jo Vyskocil, who expressed disappointment that she could not hand down a longer sentence.

“For years, Mr. Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys you competed against,” Vyskocil said at his sentencing. “You also demonstrated, Mr. Navarro, a collective, callous disregard for the well-being of the horses. The bottom line is you likely killed or endangered the horses in your care.”

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons made no comment on his early release, but BloodHorse reported that he was a beneficiary of the First Step Act, a 2018 law aimed at reducing the federal prison population. Under the law, inmates who participate in recidivism-reduction programs or productive activities can earn time credits to get early release from prison, including supervised early release if the inmate is deemed to have a minimal or low recidivism risk.

Navarro is unlikely to be able to train again in the U.S. after losing his training license. He  is expected to face deportation to his native Panama, according to the reports.

Two other high-profile defendants in the doping case - trainer Jason Servis and veterinarian Seth Fishman - remain behind bars. Servis' sentence runs through July 16 of next year, while Fishman's will be completed on June 29, 2030.