Bodybuilder's sentence is bulked up by judge; Six months added because of refusal to testify.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Richard Nangle

WORCESTER - The former owner of a nutritional supplement store who awaits sentencing on six counts of conspiracy and drug distribution will serve an additional 6 months in prison for refusing to testify against suspended Worcester police Officer Heriberto Arroyo.

Thomas J. Vigliatura, who owned the defunct T. Vig's Sports Supplements Unlimited, 98 West Boylston St., told Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV that he has absolutely no intention of engaging in any type of criminal activity upon his release from prison. He reiterated his contention that he refused to testify out of fear of reprisal to himself and his family.

Nevertheless, Judge Saylor found Mr. Vigliatura guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to the maximum of 6 months. Mr. Vigliatura will be sentenced on the drug charges Sept. 5.

"In no way was I trying to attempt to impede justice in any way," Mr. Vigliatura told the judge before sentencing. "Most of you don't know what it's like where I live."

For refusing to testify, Mr. Vigliatura could be criminally indicted and sentenced to more prison time. But Assistant U.S. Attorney George W. Vien indicated that if the judge sentenced Mr. Vigliatura to the full 6 months, "it is unlikely we will go to a grand jury."

Patrolman Arroyo was convicted on June 7 in federal court on charges of conspiracy to possess GHB and GBL and conspiracy to possess cocaine and Ecstasy. The convictions each carry a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison.

The jury found him not guilty of conspiracy to possess GHB and GBL with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. Sentencing for Patrolman Arroyo is Aug. 20.

Mr. Vigliatura's lawyer, Stylianus Sinnis, has said his client's experience at Wyatt detention facility in Central Falls, R.I., where he is awaiting sentencing, has led him to believe people who cooperate with the government would be in jeopardy while incarcerated.

Mr. Vien has countered that Mr. Vigliatura could be segregated at Wyatt or placed at another facility. Mr. Vien has...