Florida doctor sentenced to 12 years for drug trafficking after exchanging drugs for sexual favors

In St. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla., Dr. Scott Hollington, aged 59, has been given a 12-year federal prison sentence after being found guilty of 14 charges related to the unlawful distribution of controlled substances without a valid medical reason as part of his professional practices. Additionally, he faced five counts of obstructing justice, as reported by News 6 partner News4JAX.

Hollington was found guilty by a federal jury in 2023.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was alerted to Hollington’s actions after a tip-off from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) raised concerns about Hollington allegedly trading narcotic prescriptions for sexual favors, according to testimonies and evidence shared during the trial.

[RELATED: A second individual steps forward with allegations against the St. Johns County doctor accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate conduct | The St. Johns County doctor, initially charged with unlawfully distributing prescription drugs in exchange for favors, is now facing accusations of sexual assault]

Following additional evidence of Hollington’s illegal prescribing practices, the DEA said it 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, according to investigators.

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, according to the Department of Justice. 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.