Scott Anthony Burke, a Florida doctor who was arrested on his yacht with drugs, guns, and alleged prostitutes present, avoided jail time and was sentenced to one-year probation after pleading guilty to four charges in September 2023. The charges included possessing cocaine and a Class A drug with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm without an FID card, and possessing ammunition without an FID card. The arrest followed a call to police reporting a woman overdosing on drugs and expressing a desire to leave the yacht named the Jess Conn.
During the police raid on Burke’s yacht, officers found the woman, who was lethargic, indicating drug use by everyone on board over the weekend. Additionally, 43 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of ketamine, a .380 pistol, and magazines for firearms were discovered. It was also reported that prostitutes were present on the yacht, and there were claims that pornographic films were being made during the incident. Despite this, no prostitution charges were filed against Burke after his arrest.
Burke’s cooperation with the police was described as uncooperative, with him denying knowledge of the illegal drugs on board. Subsequent investigations revealed that the woman was an employee hired weeks earlier, and there was another female friend on the yacht. Burke’s lawyer later disclosed that he was suffering from stage 4 terminal cancer, which factored into his decision to accept the plea deal offered. This information led to the prosecution agreeing to the terms of his disposition due to his age, lack of criminal record, and health status.
In addition to the charges Burke pleaded guilty to, he also faced additional charges related to possessing firearms and drugs, but these were ultimately dismissed. Burke had previously worked as a physician in Colorado, where he founded Denver Spine and Rehab and was the CEO of Injury Finance LLC, providing medical lien services for third-party liability claims. He later moved to Florida and resided in the Ocean Reef Club, known for its wealthy residents.
Burke’s case garnered media attention due to the scandalous nature of the charges against him and the circumstances surrounding his arrest on the yacht. The mention of alleged prostitution and drug use added to the sensationalism of the story. Despite facing serious charges, Burke’s health condition and lack of criminal history played a role in the leniency of his sentence. The decision for probation instead of jail time was influenced by his terminal illness, which the prosecution took into account along with his advanced age and health status. Ultimately, Burke’s background as a respected physician, combined with his medical condition, shaped the outcome of his legal case.
