Charise Valentine, a 69-year-old Southfield doctor, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for her role in distributing over 200,000 opioid pills worth more than $5.2 million. Valentine was convicted of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids and illegal distribution charges following a jury trial.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., along with FBI Detroit Division’s Reuben Coleman and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, announced the sentence. The trial revealed Valentine’s complicity in issuing over 3,000 prescriptions for opioids to ‘patients’ with no legitimate medical need.
Orthopedic Medical Building, a clandestine clinic operating out of a Michigan warehouse, was at the center of this scam. The cash-only clinic charged patients up to $500 per opioid prescription and also offered fraudulent medical records. Valentine earned over $500,000 in cash for her part in the scheme.
Dr. Valentine’s co-defendant, Dr. Michele Ritter, also faces prison time for her involvement. Clinic operator Iris Winchester, recruiter Joyce Robinson, and other defendants have already pleaded guilty to related charges.
‘Doctors take an oath to heal, not poison,’ Gorgon stated. ‘This defendant knew the harm opioids cause and there’s no place in our community for such corrupt behavior.’ Coleman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to stopping medical professionals from exploiting their positions for personal gain.
Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General emphasized the importance of holding physicians accountable for endangering patients and engaging in illegal prescription activity. The agency continues to collaborate with law enforcement partners to protect patients and maintain federal healthcare program integrity.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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