Federal and state officials are hoping the...

Federal and state officials are hoping the power of the federal grand jury will help them in the expanding investigation into the use and distribution of steroids in South Carolina.

A statewide probe, the outgrowth of allegations by former University of South Carolina player Tommy Chaikin of drug use by football players, will be conducted jointly by federal and state officials.

“We don’t have a grand jury yet in South Carolina that we can use at the state level,” Robert Stewart, state law enforcement division chief, said. “Of great benefit to us, by having a joint investigation with the federal government, will be use of the federal grand jury, which makes it a lot easier for us to talk to people.”