Tinton Falls Man Indicted for Illegal Distribution of Oxycodone

A local anesthesiologist who lives in Tinton Falls was indicted Monday for various crimes relating to the illicit distribution of the prescription pain medication Oxycodone, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Peter E. Warshaw, Jr. in a release.

Barry K. Ray, Jr., M.D., 36, of Autumn Drive was arrested on Aug. 27, 2010 following a criminal investigation by the prosecutor’s office that focused on the illegal distribution of Oxycodone by Ray, a cardiac anesthesiologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Twp. The investigation included the use of an undercover detective from the prosecutor’s office who met with Ray three times at restaurants in Tinton Falls to exchange the pain medication for a fee.

Ray and the undercover detective agreed that the defendant would receive a fee based upon the number of pills sold by the undercover detective for the medication classified as a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance under state law. In total, Ray received in excess of $1,000, according to the release. The prosecutor’s office worked in conjunction with the Neptune Township Police Department on the investigation that began last May.

During a lawful search of Ray’s Autumn Drive residence, a small quantity of cocaine was seized along with hollow point bullets, which are prohibited in the state, according to the release.

The indictment charges Ray with one count of third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, two counts of fourth degree Destruction, Falsification or Alteration of Records Relating to Medical Care, one count of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) and one count of fourth degree Possession of hollow point bullets.

Ray could serve a maximum sentence of up to five years in state prison if convicted of the third degree crime for which he is indicted, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Ray was released after posting $100,000 bail the day of his arrest in August. Following his arrest, Jersey Shore University Medical Center suspended Ray’s privileges and the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners suspended Ray’s license to practice medicine in the state.

The case is assigned to Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor James E. Jones, Jr. Ray is represented by Alton D. Kenney of Brick Twp.