Jacksonville, Florida – In a severe blow to the medical community, a St. Augustine doctor has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation and obstruction of justice. Dr. Scott Andrew Hollington (59, St. Augustine) was found guilty by a federal jury on July 25, 2023, for 14 counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, and 5 counts of obstructing justice.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) first learned of Hollington after receiving a tip from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) that Hollington was exchanging narcotic prescriptions for sexual favors. Following additional evidence of Hollington’s illegal prescribing practices, the DEA deployed five undercover officers to Hollington’s addiction clinic. These undercover visits took place between February and July 2022, with the purpose of obtaining prescriptions without a legitimate medical need. The undercover officers secured a total of 17 prescriptions of schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances during the five visits, including amphetamines (Adderall), benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax), and buprenorphine (Suboxone).
During the visits, Hollington asked the officers about their drug preferences and offered prescriptions without proper medical justification. Hollington also admitted that he did not care about urine drug screening results. Physical examinations, vital checks, and proper documentation were omitted during most medical encounters with the undercover officers. The evidence further revealed that Hollington altered medical notes in each of the undercover officers’ medical files following his indictment, leading to the obstruction charges.
Testimony during the trial included statements from three female victims who revealed that Hollington had exchanged, coerced, or solicited sexual favors for prescriptions. One victim described him as a “monster” who took advantage of her vulnerability while seeking help for addiction. A fourth victim recounted Hollington asking if she needed a “sugar daddy” and engaging in conversation of a sexual nature instead of discussing her medical history and need for medication.
This case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Ormond Beach Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and State Attorney’s Office – 7th Judicial Circuit. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kirwinn Mike and Ashley Washington.
Dr. Hollington was sentenced on [no date given] by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan. The defendant was found guilty of 14 counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, and 5 counts of obstructing justice. He was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain integrity in the medical community and the severe consequences that those who abuse their position will face. As the investigation and trial revealed, Hollington’s actions not only put the lives of his patients at risk but also perpetuated a culture of exploitation and abuse.
With this sentencing, the medical community can take solace in the knowledge that those who would seek to exploit their position for personal gain will be held accountable. The people of Florida can rest assured that those who would seek to perpetuate harm and corruption will be brought to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Timothy Wayne Guess, Drug Trafficking, United States, 2023 · Florida
- Timothy New, Synthetic Drug Trafficking, California 2016 · California
- Joseph-Michael Elias McFarland, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Florida 2024 · Georgia
- Kennedy Harris Jr, Sex Trafficking of a Child by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, Florida 2016 · Washington
- Shannon Wayne Ago夫斯基, Fentanyl Trafficking, Indiana 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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