RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Suffolk County legislator was indicted Monday for allegedly offering to illegally supply a prostitute with narcotics in exchange for a sexual favor.
Legis. William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport) is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal sale of a controlled substance, patronizing a person for prostitution, perjury and other related offenses.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini, Spencer, 54, told police in July 2020 that he had allegedly been the victim of an extortion scheme involving prostitution.
At the time, Spencer – who previously operated a private medical practice in Huntington – gave a written statement to detectives, in which he stated, “I have not sought the services of prostitutes or call girls.”
About three months after providing police with the statement, Spencer was contacted by an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute.
During their conversation, Spencer allegedly agreed via text message to unlawfully provide the undercover police officer with oxycodone pills.
The legislator arranged to meet the undercover officer behind the Elwood Shopping Center on Jericho Turnpike in Elwood, and when he arrived, he was arrested.
A search of his county-issued vehicle revealed he was also in possession of two oxycodone pills.
Following his arrest, Spencer revealed that he had allegedly previously solicited sex workers, therefore revealing his July 2020 statement to be false.
“My office conducted an extensive, thorough investigation in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, which resulted in this grand jury indictment,” District Attorney Sini said. “Investigators found that multiple women had allegedly been paid in either cash or drugs for sex acts with the defendant over the course of several years, as corroborated by text message exchanges and other evidence.”
Spencer was arraigned Monday by Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John Collins and was released on his own recognizance.
He is due back in court on Dec. 8 and is being represented by Anthony LaPinta.
If convicted of the top count, Spencer faces a maximum sentence of up to nine years in prison.
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