NEWARK, NJ – A New Jersey psychiatrist has been indicted for unlawfully prescribing controlled substances, including Adderall and Xanax, outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, federal authorities announced.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba said that David Holbrook, 70, of Bloomsbury, was charged with nine counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances.
Holbrook appeared in federal court on November 4 for his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
Court filings allege that between January 2021 and September 2022, Holbrook wrote prescriptions for Adderall, a Schedule II stimulant, and Xanax, a Schedule IV depressant, to several patients outside the usual course of professional practice and without legitimate medical purpose.
Doctor faces up to 20 years on each count if convicted
Prosecutors said Holbrook’s conduct violated federal drug laws designed to prevent the misuse and diversion of controlled substances. Each of the nine counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Newark Division under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with assistance from DEA special agents, task force officers, and diversion investigators.