Florida doctor accused of distributing controlled substances

FLORIDA — A St. Augustine doctor has been indicted for allegedly distributing controlled substances, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced.

Scott Andrew Hollington, M.D., 57, has been charged with 10 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 1 count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, said United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.

If convicted, Hollington reportedly faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each distribution count and up to five years imprisonment for the conspiracy count. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO), the indictment also notifies Hollington that the United States intends to forfeit his medical license, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

Hollington was arrested on October 28, 2022.  He was released on bond pending trial.

According to the indictment, Hollington knowingly distributed and dispensed Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances—that is, amphetamine, buprenorphine, benzodiazepine, and alprazolam. The indictment noted that Hollington issued prescriptions for controlled substances not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.