Retired Doctor Faces Drug and Gun Charges After Nantucket Yacht Party
A wild yacht party off Nantucket has taken a bizarre turn as allegations of “pornographic” filmmaking and a drug-filled weekend emerge. The 80-foot luxury Nordhavn yacht, owned by retired Dr. Scott Anthony Burke, was at the center of this unusual ordeal.
Medical Condition and Bail
Dr. Scott Anthony Burke, a 69-year-old retired physician, who is battling terminal cancer, finds himself facing a series of gun and drug charges. He was released on $200,000 bail.
Concerning Call to Nantucket Police
On September 5th, a concerned Texas man called Nantucket police to report a possible overdose on the $7.5 million vessel. The woman involved had passed out during a FaceTime call. Startlingly, the caller claimed that the party-goers had been indulging in drugs throughout the entire weekend and even making explicit films.
Search Warrant Revelations
The search warrant uncovered some puzzling details. Police found bags of “blue pills” in Burke’s bedroom, close to where the woman was found unconscious. Additionally, authorities discovered cocaine, ketamine, and handguns that Burke was allegedly carrying illegally in Massachusetts.
Confrontation with the Police
Police had a tough time with Burke, describing him as “extremely uncooperative.” They had to handcuff him and read him his Miranda rights.
Legal Discrepancies
Burke maintained that he had a license for the handguns, but police found cocaine in various parts of the yacht, including a safe containing 30 grams. His Florida permit was both expired and invalid in Massachusetts.
The Victim
The victim, a 33-year-old crew member, denied any knowledge of narcotics on the yacht. She was taken to Nantucket Cottage Hospital for medical attention. Her friend on board claimed to have left prescription Adderall pills on the yacht.
Denials and Accusations
Burke’s attorney, Hank Brennan, vehemently denied allegations of prostitution and sex trafficking, labeling them as “fabricated.” He defended the crew member, calling suggestions of her involvement in prostitution “demeaning” and “sexist.”
Burke’s Health and Past
Burke’s attorney also revealed that the retired doctor is battling terminal cancer. Burke had previously shown his humanitarian side by being one of the first international doctors to assist in Haiti after a devastating earthquake in 2010.
The Investigation Continues
Authorities reportedly seized over 40 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of ketamine, multiple firearms, magazines, and ammunition from Burke’s yacht. While there are claims of encountering prostitutes, no prostitution-related charges have been confirmed or documented.
Dr. Burke’s Background
Public records indicate that Dr. Burke obtained his medical license in Colorado in 1981, which was last renewed in 2019. He has previously owned other large vessels, both named Jess Conn. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he founded a medical lien service firm in 2003 and specialized in spine rehab and pain as a physician before retiring from active medical practice.
Dr. Scott Anthony Burke is scheduled to appear in court next month to face these charges.