A suspended Oak Park physician is facing federal charges for allegedly attempting to distribute prescription drugs in exchange for sex, according to a release from the United State’s Attorney’s North District office.
Joshua D. Baron, a pediatric neurologist, was charged with one count of attempted distribution of a controlled substance containing amphetamine. The charge was in connection with his January arrest following an undercover investigation by the Wilmette police department.
Baron faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Similar state charges were dismissed last Thursday.
Another investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration concluded that Baron, 37, traded prescription narcotics and other medications in exchange for sex and cash with at least three individuals who were not patients since 2008, according to a federal criminal complaint unsealed Thursday.
Between 2007 and 2011, Baron allegedly placed 68 advertisements on Craigslist.com offering to trade drugs such as Adderall, Xanax and Vicodin, according to the complaint affidavit.
Baron was released on his own recognizance after appearing in federal court. He has voluntarily surrendered his medical license and his DEA registration, the release said.
Baron was licensed in Illinois is 2006 and treated patients at Rush University Medical
Center, John H. Stroger, Jr., Hospital of Cook County, and St. Anthony’s Hospital, all in Chicago.