A San Diego pediatrician has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested near Burning Man, accused of possessing illegal drugs including ecstasy, shrooms and the club drug known as “Molly.”
Burning Man, a week-long art and music gathering, draws more than 50,000 people to Nevada's Black Rock Desert every year.
Mono County sheriff’s deputies said Bret Gerber was arrested along with Paul Neadow, 35, of Wilton Manor Florida.
Deputies said they discovered Mdma, psilocybin mushrooms, GHB, and ecstasy during a traffic stop, officials said.
NBC 7 News contacted Scripps Health where Gerber is listed as a physician. A spokesperson said it was the first time they had heard about the matter and are working with Gerber’s employer, Scripps Coastal Medical “to investigate thoroughly.”
The arrests were two of 17 felony arrests made the opening weekend of Burning Man.
The festival, considered the largest outdoor arts festival in North America, ended Sept. 2.
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On Thursday, NBC 7 reached out to officials at Scripps Health regarding Gerber's arrest.
Kevin Hirsch, M.D., president of Gerber's employer, Scripps Coastal Medical Group, released the following statement:
"Safe, quality care for our patients is our number one priority at Scripps. Dr. Gerber has been placed on administrative leave from his position with Scripps Coastal Medical Group while we investigate this matter further."
