Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing a formal complaint alleging she misused nearly $19,000 in campaign funds to pay for psychiatric services from Dr. Brian Boyle, a specialist in controversial ketamine therapy. The National Legal and Policy Center filed the complaint with the Federal Elections Commission and the Office of Congressional Conduct, arguing that the payments were falsely reported as “leadership training and consulting” and may have been for personal mental health treatment, which is prohibited by law. If found guilty, Ocasio-Cortez could face fines, prison time, and be required to reimburse the campaign.

Boyle, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist known for unorthodox treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety, operates a clinic popular among wealthy clients and celebrities. Ocasio-Cortez has publicly supported psychedelic therapies and drug research, having proposed legislation to study substances like psilocybin and ecstasy for medical use. However, the complaint contends that campaign funds should not be used for personal therapy, urging enforcement agencies to investigate and impose penalties if violations are confirmed.