The Department of Justice says it has charged over 150 doctors for opioid-related criminal activities since 2017. One of the most recent cases involving accusations of white collar crimes saw the DOJ handing down a federal indictment for an alleged $200 million fraud scheme that involved four Michigan doctors. Prosecutors say the scheme financed a luxurious lifestyle that included a mansion worth $7 million, exotic cars and designer watches.
The central figure is said to be a 38-year-old owner of several Michigan pain clinics who allegedly oversaw and managed activities that illicitly prescribed opioid medications valued at more than $4 million and then billed Medicare for reimbursement. Prosecutors allege three other Michigan doctors were involved in the fraud scheme. Further allegations state that some of the fraudulently prescribed drugs were offered for sale on the street.
The group of doctors also face accusations of administering unnecessary back injections to patients, and then billing Medicare. According to the indictment, the owner of the clinics started the fraud scheme in 2008. Among the riches allegedly funded are an under-construction $7 million mansion, luxury cars (including a Rolls Royce Ghost and a Lamborghini), along with Richard Mille watches, additional Detroit real estate and courtside NBA tickets.
Although these are all allegations that have not yet been proved in a court of law, anyone facing such accusations will likely seek the services of a criminal defense attorney to advocate for him or her. A Michigan lawyer with experience in defending clients in federal court who are accused of committing white collar crimes will do what is necessary to build a strong defense. The goal of the defense team will be to achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances.