A Jefferson City woman pleaded guilty to an amended charge in connection with an investigation into the illegal selling of steroids in August 2017.
During a hearing before Cole County Judge Cotton Walker, Amber Gabriel, now Duenkel, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance. She was placed on three years supervised probation. She had been charged with delivery of a controlled substance.
In June, Luke Gabriel, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance in the case during a hearing before Walker. Gabriel was placed on five years supervised probation.
Court documents stated the couple distributed the illegal substance between Aug. 1, 2017-May 15, 2019.
Authorities said Duenkel knew her then-husband sold steroids at Capital Fitness on Eastland Drive, and on numerous occasions, Luke would ask her to bring the pills from home to the gym.
Authorities said a search of their residence May 15, 2019, turned up $4,289 in cash.
Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler said Duenkel was a deputy with the sheriff's office but was fired May 16, 2019, for a policy violation.
Duenkel told investigators Luke was unemployed and she thought he only made money by giving training sessions at the gym and through the sale of steroids.
In November 2020, Duenkel filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and discrimination in connection with her dismissal.
After a closed session meeting in April, the Cole County Commission approved signing an agreement after the county's insurance company, Travelers Insurance, revoked its right to settle such cases. The commission found it would be cheaper to pay the $5,000 Duenkel was seeking than the estimated $30,000 it would cost to defend the lawsuit.
Under the agreement, the county made no admission.