Attorney General: Pain Doctor's Family Was 'Running a Small Drug Ring'

The Marlboro pain management doctor whose office was raided by authorities last week has had his medical license temporarily suspended by New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Philip C. Pollen had been "indiscriminately prescribing pain medications," according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG). 

During an investigation, state authorities uncovered evidence that Pollen was allegedly writing prescriptions without examining patients, according to the OAG.

The investigation also revealed evidence that the doctor's manager and live-in girlfriend and Pollen's daughter's boyfriend were "running a small drug-ring out of Dr. Pollen's office," authorities said.

According to Marlboro police and cited in the order, the building is in an area not zoned for medical practice. There is no sign on the building indicating a medical practice. 

It is unknown what was taken during the raid, but a sign on the door of the Route 79 practice indicates Pollen "voluntarily suspended" his license.

The OAG reported Pollen was arrested in 2010 in Matawan and charged with one count of one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance or analog. 

That year, Pollen was ordered into pretrial intervention and was evaluated by the Physician’s Assistance Program.  He remained in the PAP from October 2010 through February 2011, according to the OAG.

Prescription drug abuse is a deadly epidemic,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said in the press release.  “The allegations against this physician are very disturbing.  While these investigations continue, the Board of Medical Examiners correctly acted to protect the public by temporarily halting his practice.”

Pollen has reportedly agreed to a neuropsychological evaluation and a physicians skills evaluation, reinstatement of his license would be up to the Board of Medical Examiners, which is retaining jurisdiction over the case.

A South Amboy office occupied by Pollen has also been closed, according to authorities, due to owed back taxes.