Many people in Huntington have told News 12 they are shocked and saddened by the arrest of Legislator Dr. William Spencer.

News 12 was in front of his medical office, where he is an ear, nose and throat specialist in the village.

Spencer has been a well-respected doctor, as well as a county legislator in the 18th District since 2012. After he began his affiliation with Huntington Hospital, he became a member of the Beth AME Church across the street. He's now a pastor at Willow Manor Fellowship in Centerport.

Spencer is facing drug charges after allegedly attempting to exchange prescription drugs for sex.

The district attorney's office says Dr. Spencer's privileges at Huntington Hospital have been temporarily suspended pending further investigation, and he no longer serves as a department chief at the facility.

A parent of one of his patients told News 12 she was shocked and disappointed, and that he certainly did not set a good example for the community.

Since joining the Suffolk Legislature, Spencer has sponsored numerous resolutions, many of them having to do with health and safety issues.

Presiding Officer Rob Calarco put out a statement that the allegations against Spencer are extremely serious and that there is very little information at this time, and he won't be making any other statement than that.

He says their thoughts and prayers are with Spencer's wife and children.

Republican Legislator Robert Trotta says the allegations are devastating.

"I can't stress this enough -- he needs help. I think he should probably think about maybe stepping down as a legislator to get the help he needs and to stay with his family," he says.