TINTON FALLS — As a result of a joint investigation, criminal charges were filed Aug. 27 against a Tinton Falls doctor by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Officers arrested anesthesiologist Dr. Barry K. Ray Jr., 36, and charged him with one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute a prescription legend drug; two counts of fourth-degree destruction, falsification or alteration of records relating to medical care; one count of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance; one count of fourth-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance; and one count of fourth-degree possession of hollow-point bullets .

Members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, working in conjunction with the Neptune Township Police Department, began an investigation into Ray’s activities with respect to prescription pain medications earlier this summer. The investigation involved the use of an undercover detective who met with Ray at a restaurant in Tinton Falls, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office. Over the course of meetings with the undercover detective, Ray allegedly agreed to provide prescriptions for pain medications in exchange for a fee based on the number of pills sold by the undercover detective, the release states.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Ray received payments of more than $1,000 for the alleged sales of the prescribed pills by the undercover detective.

During a lawful search of Ray’s residence, a small amount of a controlled dangerous substance and prescription drugs were found, the press release states. Also seized were hollow-point bullets, which are prohibited weapons.

Following the arrest, Superior Court Judge Richard W. English set bail for Ray at $100,000. Ray will not be permitted to practice at Jersey Shore University Medical Center while charges are pending, according to the press release.

If convicted of a second-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 10 years. If convicted of a third-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to five years. If convicted of a fourth-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 18 months.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and state law.