Psychiatrist Matthew Hopkins to Do Drug Program

Last week psychiatrist Matthew Hopkins was given permission to leave Park County to travel to Minnesota. Hopkins received the court’s blessing after pleading not guilty to several charges related to a head-on crash that took place in Cody on March 14; authorities say Hopkins caused the crash by “huffing” compressed air from a Dust-Off can while driving, passing out and drifting into the oncoming lane of traffic. 

 

Hopkins faces a felony count of aggravated assault and battery — alleging he “intentionally or knowingly” caused an injury with his SUV — and misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a toxic substance.

 

He also has a still-pending misdemeanor DUI charge from last November, which alleges he drove drunk and clipped a vehicle parked at Walgreen’s. Hopkins had been out on bond in that case when he was arrested on the huffing and driving allegations last month. Public records show Hopkins’ struggles with alcohol and controlled substances date back to his days as a medical intern in 2003. Hopkins said in court last month that he’s closed down his solo practice, “because of this.” 

 

After Hopkins was charged with two DUIs in a four-month span Hopkins plans to enter a residential treatment program.

 

A trial in the huffing case is tentatively set for Aug. 10.

 

CJ Baker, "Cody psychiatrist to enter drug program," Powell Tribune, 27 April 2017, http://powelltribune.com/stories/cody-psychiatrist-to-enter-drug-program,1157