Crime & Safety

Manahawkin Doctor Charged With Drug Distribution, Practice Closed

Doctor's bail totals $225,000

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office today arrested a Beacon Lane physician and charged him with the unlawful distribution of prescription drugs.

Liviu T. Holca's practice was also closed, said Ocean Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and state Division of Consumer Affairs Director Eric T. Kanefsky.

“No one wakes up and suddenly decides today I’m doing heroin," Coronato said. "Abuse of prescription pills is the precursor to a life of dangerous street level drug addiction. It’s only a matter of time before an addicted person’s habit pushes them from high priced pills to cheap street heroin.  Today, I include health care professionals in my warning to dealers who prey on those fighting this tragic disease – We are looking for you.”

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Holca, 55, is charged with distributing prescription drugs Percocet and Xanax without any medical necessity between July 2013 and August 2013. 

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Group, the state Division of Consumer Affairs, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and the Stafford Township police department assisted in the investigation, Coronato said.

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"The Southern Enforcement group conducted eight undercover operations where Dr. Holca allegedly dispensed scheduled narcotic medications while not acting in the usual course of his professional practice," Coronato said. 

Holca has been charged with second degree distribution of Percocet in an amount more than one ounce, without any medical necessity; third degree distribution of Xanax in an amount of more than one ounce without any medical necessity; possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of firearms during commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense, and second degree financial facilitation (money laundering, Coronato said.

Law enforcement officials also found several loaded firearms, a quantity of suspected controlled dangerous substances and a significant amount of cash at Holca's home, after obtaining a search warrant, Coronato said.

Holca's bail was set  at $225,000 - $150,000 for the weapon, marijuana and money laundering charges, and $75,000 for the illegal pills offenses, authorities said.

The investigation is continuing. Ocean County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco will try the case.

"The matter also has been referred to the State Office of the Attorney General for possible action regarding Dr. Holca's medical license and his Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration," Coronato said.

Holca has surrendered his DEA license to prescribe controlled substances, the prosecutor said.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Marc E. Roessler filed a civil forfeiture complaint Friday. Coronato wants the ttitle to the medical office building and the cash recovered at Holca's home.

 



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