9 individuals have been indicted on charges related to an illegal dr-g distribution conspiracy.
According to a news release, the indictment, spanning from June 2021 to September 2024, charges three doctors and six others with conspiring to distribute items like Oxycod-ne, Perc-cet, and N-rco.
The doctors, Charles, 70, of Orchard Lake, Maurice Potts, 65, of Detroit, and Bruce Kaplan, 83, of Commerce Township, allegedly issued prescriptions without medical necessity.
These prescriptions were then filled by “fake” patients recruited by other members of the conspiracy and distributed illegally on the streets, according to a news release.
According to a news release, Sharlene Dawson, aka Sharlene Crawford, 55, of Detroit, is named as the scheme’s mastermind, operating through her Southfield-based business, P&A Aftercare. Desiree King, 41, of Sterling Heights, managed the office operations, aiding in the facilitation.
Recruiters Lanise Gortman, 53, of Warren, Aaron Thomas, 42, of Southfield, Valecia Logan, 33, of Detroit, and Antoine Arnold, 38, of Mt. Clemens, filled the prescriptions and participated in distribution, according to the news release.
According to court documents, the conspiracy fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid for over $20 million. While the scheme primarily involved cash, some maintenance medications were also billed to healthcare benefit programs.
The accused now face serious charges that could lead to significant prison sentences if convicted.
