Clifton Park Doctor Arrested for Unlawful Drug Distribution

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Adrian Morris, age 61, a Clifton Park, New York, psychiatrist specializing in addiction recovery, was arrested today and charged with distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division; Charles Margiotta, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple.

According to a criminal complaint, Morris dispensed Xanax, Adderall, and Suboxone to patients for no legitimate medical purpose, and to at least one patient in exchange for sex.  In addition to writing unjustified prescriptions to patients, Morris also wrote prescriptions for individuals he never treated.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Morris appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered him released pending further proceedings.

If convicted, Morris faces up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $1 million fine.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the DEA, FBI, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.