Drug-Peddling Stafford Physician Avoids Jail Time

TOMS RIVER - A former Stafford Township family practice physician who lost his home, his medical license, his savings and his reputation after his arrest for oxycodone distribution will not have to spend any more time in prison, according to app.com.

Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels Friday spared Dr. Liviu Holca jail time when he suspended a 364-day sentence. Holca earlier this year pleaded guilty to the drug charges and money laundering.

Daniels sentenced Holca, 58, to three years probation and 100 hours of community service. Holca must find work within 45 days and must forfeit $292,919 in his bank accounts.

Michael Abatemarco, a senior assistant Ocean County prosecutor, asked Daniels to impose the 364-day jail term on Holca, saying that doctors who prescribe opiates without medical necessity "are no different than others who would push such damaging drugs on the community."

But Daniels said he considered Holca’s background before imposing the sentence. Holca served in the Romanian National Army before he fled to Yugoslavia to escape oppression. He and his wife immigrated to the United States and became citizens in 1992.

Holca's patients at his practice on Beacon Drive in Manahawkin said Holca "went above and beyond the call of duty," Daniels said.

"His practice is closed," Daniels said. "They had to sell their home. He cannot be gainfully employed. He's been humiliated."

Detectives raided Holca’s office on Jan. 24, 2014. An undercover officer posed as a patient to get prescriptions for hundreds of Percocet and Xanax pills for which she had no medical need, authorities said.

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