DA: He’s doctor, pol & a drug-dealing perv
L.I. lawmaker held in sex-for-oxycodone rap
A Long Island legislator and anti-drug advocate was busted for trying to swap opioids for sex with an undercover cop posing as a prostitute, authorities said.
William Spencer, a prominent physician who represents Suffolk County’s 18th District, was cuffed Tuesday by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents, officials said.
The Democratic lawmaker known as “Doc” showed up to a parking lot behind a Goodwill store in Elmwood to meet the prostitute — but she turned out to be an undercover DEA agent.
Spencer was charged with possession and sale of controlled substances, and released without bail Wednesday.
“I’m very sorry, but I have no comment,” he told the Daily News when reached by phone. His defense lawyer Mark Goidell also declined to comment.
Spencer agreed to provide the pills via text message. He had two oxycodone tablets worth $100 each when cops closed in, as well as lubricant, condoms and a loaded pistol in his official Suffolk County vehicle, authorities said.
The ear, nose and throat specialist was removed from his position as chief of otolaryngology at Huntington Hospital and his privileges were temporarily suspended, said prosecutors.
“It’s extremely disturbing that he is a sitting county legislator who has spoken out on drug prevention and substance abuse issues,” Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said. “When someone abuses the public trust, there’s an extra layer of severity to the crime.”
Sini said the case grew out of a broader investigation into oxycodone peddling, and Spencer had repeatedly been in contact with the officer he thought was a prostitute.
Sini declined to say whether other people had been arrested in connection with the case.
“This is very much an ongoing investigation,” the DA said. “We are in the process of executing search warrants and in the process of uncovering additional crimes committed by Spencer.”
Spencer was first elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 2011, vowing to keep “our communities drug- and violence-free,” according to his website.
He’s also a Baptist minister, a licensed pilot and married with three children.
The lawmaker held an event last June with volunteer medics to help Long Islanders recognize and treat opioid overdoses.
“We are still in the thick of this fight against the opioid epidemic and must continue the work to save lives. Getting trained is one way we can all participate in making a difference,” Spencer said at the time.
Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Rob Calarco called the charges “extremely serious.”
“We have very little information, and at this time, I will not be making any further statement. Our thoughts are with his wife and children during this difficult time,” Calarco said in a statement.
Spencer is due back in court on Feb. 26. If convicted, he faces up to nine years in prison.
It’s extremely disturbing that he is a sitting county legislator who has spoken out on drug prevention and substance abuse issues. When someone abuses the public trust, there’s an extra layer of severity to the crime.
TIMOTHY SINI, SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY