A Savannah psychiatrist has been ordered detained by a federal judge on accusations he exchanged sex for prescriptions and cash with local strippers.
Dr. William Ellien, 58, was arrested on Wednesday on a federal complain for illegally distributing controlled substances for no legitimate medical reason.
U.S. Magistrate Judge G.R. Smith, during an initial appearance in Statesboro, ordered Ellien temporarily detained pending a hearing on Thursday, officials said.
According to the affidavit submitted by federal Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Douglas Kahn, “a number of witnesses” told investigators they had sex with Ellien in exchange for drugs.
One witness told investigators that, on or about June 2012, she met Ellien at the Holiday Inn Express on Abercorn Street “for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with him,” the affidavit said.
In exchange, he gave her a prescription for the drug Xanax and cash, the affidavit said.
Agents also determined the Ellien “on more than one occasion booked rooms” at the motel, the affidavit said.
During an interview on Wednesday, Ellien “admitted to meeting various girls at local strip clubs,” then engaging the sexual acts “in exchange for cash and prescriptions,” the affidavit said.
He also admitted the conduct occurred from about 2009 until the end of November 2011, the affidavit said.