A prominent Suffolk lawmaker and doctor faced a judge Wednesday morning on accusations of trying to trade prescription drugs for sex.

Dr. William Spencer was arraigned on drug-related charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal sale of a controlled substance. He pleaded not guilty. Officials say Dr. Spencer was arrested on Monday during a sting operation.

Officials say Dr. Spencer believed he was meeting a woman to swap oxycodone for sex and that he believed she was a prostitute with whom he had an ongoing relationship. He texted the message "Tonight we trade" -- not knowing that woman turned out to be an undercover DEA task force agent.

The arrest happened behind a strip mall in Elwood. Officials say he was in a county vehicle at the time.

Officials say Dr. Spencer had two pills, condoms, lubricant and a handgun.

"This investigation, I want to emphasize, is very much ongoing," says Sini. "We are in the process of executing search warrants, and we are in the process of uncovering additional crimes committed by Dr. Spencer."

Officials say Dr. Spencer must surrender his passport and pistol license, as well as any other firearms. He also can not possess firearms when released on his own recognizance.

If convicted, Spencer could face up to nine years behind bars.

Dr. Spencer's lawyer said he has dedicated his life to the well-being of the community, his family and patients. As a member of the Legislature, a third of the resolutions he's sponsored since 2011 have been related to health and safety issues, according to the Suffolk County Legislature's website.

Dr. Spencer is an ear, nose, throat specialist with a practice in Huntington. He is a minister and is married with three children.

A statement from the Suffolk County Legislature's presiding officer, Rob Calarco says, "The allegations being made against Legislator William Spencer are extremely serious. We have very little information, and at this time, I will not be making any further statement. Our thoughts are with his wife and children during this difficult time."

Law enforcement officials say they were tipped off to Spencer's alleged behavior after a previous drug investigation.

Editor's Note: Earlier reports of this story listed Thomas Spota as the district attorney, which has since been fixed.