Michigan Doctor Ran Illicit 'Sham' Clinic, Illegally Dispensing Opioids

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A physician hailing from Southfield has been found guilty of 11 counts related to issuing over 3,000 unlawful prescriptions through an operation that federal prosecutors described as a "fraudulent practice."

A federal jury convicted Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, on one charge of conspiracy and 10 counts of illegal distribution last Friday for prescribing more than 200,000 pills, including oxycodone and oxymorphone, to people who did not have an actual need for them.

According to prosecutors, "patients" were directed to the Orthopedic Medical Building, which was actually a bogus clinic operating inside a warehouse in Oak Park, by "patient recruiters" or "marketers." This fake clinic exclusively dealt with cash transactions and imposed charges ranging from $200 to $500 for each prescription. However, they didn’t collect any fees if the patient did not end up receiving an opioid prescription.

Prices were determined on the quantity, type, and dosage of opioids received, which prosecutors say were usually Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg. The clinic also offered a service where people could pay for falsified medical records.

According to prosecutors, Valentine received over $500,000 in cash during approximately 19 months, which accounted for roughly half of the clinic’s earnings. She was compensated solely when she issued an opioid prescription to a patient.

The co-defendants in this case include clinic owner Iris Winchester, physician Dr. Michele Ritter, clinic staff member Kristina Brown, and Joyce Robinson. Each of them entered pleas of guilt.

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