‘Dr. Bob’ Gets Probation, Fine For Cocaine Possession

A physician’s assistant got four months’ probation and a $1,000 fine for cocaine possession in the Operation Doughboy case.

Robert J. Woodruff, called “Dr. Bob” by his cocaine suppliers, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle.

After completing probation, Woodruff can ask the state of Washington to reinstate his license to work as a physician’s assistant.

“He hopes to get his license reinstated as soon as possible,” Woodruff’s attorney, Bevan Maxey, said Tuesday.

Until Woodruff pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine on Nov. 2, he worked at the Cheney Medical Clinic.

The state Medical Quality Assurance Commission took emergency action on Nov. 23 suspending Woodruff license, which includes the authority to dispense prescription drugs.

Dr. Charles Hough, who works at the Cheney clinic, spoke on Woodruff’s behalf when he was sentenced on Friday by Van Sickle. The judge also received several letters supporting the 50-year-old physician’s assistant.

Woodruff told the court that he has been attending drug counseling and now realizes how cocaine fouled up his life.

Woodruff obtained his cocaine from co-defendants Greg Brebner and Julie Polione, authorities say. About 30 people were charged in the large cocaine case, dubbed Operation Doughboy by authorities.