Hunterdon County Psychiatrist Charged with Illegally Prescribing Adderall and Xanax

Dr. David Holbrook faces nine federal counts for allegedly distributing controlled substances outside legitimate medical practice.

A licensed psychiatrist from Bloomsbury, New Jersey, was arrested on November 4, 2025, for allegedly prescribing controlled substances—including Adderall and Xanax—outside the bounds of professional medical practice, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Dr. David Holbrook, 70, is charged by indictment with nine counts of unlawful distribution and dispensing of controlled substances, in violation of federal drug laws. He appeared the same day before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court for his initial appearance and arraignment. Holbrook was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond pending further proceedings.

Improper Prescriptions

According to court documents and statements made during the hearing, Holbrook allegedly issued prescriptions for Adderall (a Schedule II stimulant) and Xanax (a Schedule IV benzodiazepine) on nine occasions between January 2021 and September 2022. The charges allege these prescriptions were made outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes.

Both medications are federally controlled due to their potential for abuse and dependence. Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Investigation & Penalties

If convicted, Holbrook faces a maximum of 20 years in prison per count and fines of up to $1 million per offense.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit.

Federal authorities have also issued a public request: any individuals with information regarding Dr. David Holbrook’s conduct are encouraged to contact the DEA New Jersey Field Division at (571) 362-3700.

The charges against Holbrook are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.