DOJ: Nineteen Individuals Indicted In $41 Million Illegal Opioid Distribution Conspiracy

A Clinic Owner, Four Doctors, Two Nurse Practitioners and Three Pharmacists among Those Indicted

An indictment was unsealed today charging nineteen individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today.

U.S. Attorney Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

The 44-count indictment charges defendants with an alleged drug conspiracy involving prescription drug controlled substances including Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet), Hydrocodone, Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, promethazine with codeine cough syrup, and other drugs.

Charged in the indictment are:

John Henry Rankin, III, 46, Detroit,                                  

Dr. Beth Carter, 56, Southfield,

Dr. Robert Kenewell, 52, Auburn Hills,

Dr. Jason Brunt, 50, Clawson,

Dr. John Swan, 30, St. Clair Shores,

Nurse Practitioner, Jean Pinkard, 63, Farmington Hills

Nurse Practitioner Toni Green, 58, St. Clair Shores,

Fitzgerald Hudson, 60, Southfield,

Virendra Gaidhane, 49, Troy

Pharmacist, Maksudali Saiyad, 65, Troy

Pharmacist Adeniyi Adepoju, 61, Warren,

Pharmacist Ali Sabbagh, 36, Dearborn Heights

Robert King, 38, Taylor,

Jermaine Hamblin, 36, Roseville,

Sonya Mitchell, 50, Southfield,

Lavar Carter, 56, Southfield,

Robert Lee Dower, Jr., 49, Eastpointe

Denise Sailes, 51, Detroit, and

Dewayne Bason, 28, Detroit

The indictment alleges that from September 2017 through June 2020, John Henry Rankin, III, owner of New Vision Rehab and Preferred Rehab clinics would provide monetary remuneration and other illegal benefits to Dr. Beth Carter, Dr. Robert Kenewell, Dr. Jason Brunt, Dr. John Swan, Nurse Practitioner Jean Pinkard and Nurse Practitioner Toni Green to induce them to write prescriptions for “fake” patients, who did not have a legitimate medical need for the drugs.  Rankin also allegedly provided monetary remuneration to an unlicensed medical professional, who was not legally authorized to prescribe controlled substances or practice as doctor, who would pose as a doctor and issue pre-signed controlled substance prescriptions in the names of other providers.

It is alleged that the medical professionals named in the indictment prescribed more than 1,951,148 dosage units of Schedule II controlled substances.  The prescribed Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, alone, carried a conservative street value of more than $41 million. Oxycodone and Oxymorphone are two of the most addictive opioids and they have high street value.  Patients were recruited into the conspiracy by patient recruiters or “marketers,” to include Robert King and Jermaine Hamblin.

The indictment further alleges that during this conspiracy, prescriptions were presented to Detroit New Hope Pharmacy (owner Virendra Gaidhane, pharmacist Maksudali Saiyad, pharmacy tech Dewayne Bason), Synergy Pharmacy (pharmacy technician Dewayne  Bason), Nottingham Pharmacy (owner Virendra Gaidhane), Crownz Medical Pharmacy (pharmacist Adeniyi Adepoju), Franklin Healthmart (pharmacist Ali Sabbagh).  Some of the pharmacists would bill insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, for dispensing the medications, despite the fact that the medications were medically unnecessary. Other times, the pharmacists accepted cash from the recruiters for filling and dispensing medications. 

According to the indictment, the pharmacies dispensed more than 58,725 dosage units of Schedule II controlled substances prescribed by the medical professionals listed in the indictment.

“Prescription drugs are supposed to go to people who truly need them, not to fake patients or people selling drugs on the streets,” United States Attorney Matthew Schneider said. “We are focusing on charging doctors, pharmacists, and the networks that add to the opioid crisis, and this case is unfortunately yet another example of the serious problem facing Michigan.”

Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Field Division, stated, “These enforcement actions and others like them around the country, demonstrate our commitment to prosecuting licensed professionals who flood communities with addictive legal drugs for their own personal benefit”

“Today’s indictments are the result of healthcare professionals allegedly contributing to the devastating opioid crisis instead of working toward its solution. The public expects and deserves more from them,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.

 “The opioid epidemic continues to have a harmful impact on many people across this country”, said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Medical professionals who choose to participate in schemes as alleged in this indictment only exacerbate the problem. The OIG will continue to dedicate and prioritize resources to the investigation of allegations of this nature in an effort to ensure the health and safety of patients and taxpayer dollars.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandy R. McMillion and Mitra Jafary-Hariri.  The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative created by Attorney General Sessions, that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis.

The case was investigated by special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Tales Of The New Crown: DOJ Charges Detroit Procurement Consortia Task Force Small Business Wire Fraud Scheme - But Not Sherry The Sleuth - Yet

I wonder when I shall read a MIED presser on all the glorious things Sherry "The Sleuth" Gay Dagnogo has done for the children of Detroit because we already knows what she does for herself.

A Detroit resident was charged in a criminal complaint for his alleged role in a scheme to obtain $590,900 from the Payroll Protection Program for a non-functioning business, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Charged is Darrell Baker, 51, of Detroit, Michigan.

As alleged in the complaint, Baker applied for and obtained a $590,000 Payroll Protection Program Loan on behalf of a purported business that he owns, called “Motorcity Solar Energy, Inc.” The Paycheck Protection Program is a program managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides loans to help businesses keep their workforces employed during the Covid-19 crisis. The SBA will forgive the loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Payroll Protection Act loans are funded from participating banks, in this case Customers Bank in Pennsylvania.

The complaint further alleges that Baker submitted paperwork with his loan application representing that Motorcity Solar Energy Inc. had 68 employees and, in 2019 paid wages, tips, and other compensation totaling $2.8 million. In fact, the state of Michigan had dissolved Motorcity Solar Energy Inc.’s status as a corporation in July 2019. All of Motorcity’s purported business locations were either empty suites or single-family residences, with no evidence of business activity. And Motorcity never established any account with the State of Michigan’s unemployment insurance program, which is a prerequisite for any valid employer in the state. 

The complaint further alleges that, in the two days after the loan was funded, Baker purchased four cashiers checks and withdraw an additional $60,000 in cash. None of these cashier’s checks went to payroll or other business expenses. Indeed, Baker used the four cashiers checks to purchase two Cadillac Escalades, a Dodge Charger, and a Hummer.  According to the complaint, Baker purchased one of vehicles for his brother-in-law and one for his sister; the remaining two vehicles Baker kept for his own use and enjoyment.

United States Attorney Schneider stated “Defendant Baker is charged with lying to obtain money that was supposed to help small businesses struggling with their payroll and expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Defrauding banks to obtain loans is never acceptable, and doing so during our current national emergency is unconscionable.  This prosecution is yet another example of our office’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who would exploit the COVID-19 crisis for their own greedy desires.” 

“The Paycheck Protection Program is designed as a lifeline to businesses struggling to survive this current crisis. Instead of using these loans to salvage a legitimate business, the defendant allegedly bought expensive personal items for himself and his family,” said SAC D’Antuono. “These actions harmed hard-working Americans and deserving small businesses. The FBI is committed to investigating anyone who seeks to take advantage of a global pandemic to line their own pockets at the expense of American taxpayers.”

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint.  When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John K. Neal. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. 

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DOJ: Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit - In Detroit

Bill Barr was in Detroit.

So was Christopher Wray.

Stealin' the children, land & votes is a violent crime because people died.

The Operation Will Surge Federal Law Enforcement Resources into Seven of America’s Most Violent Cities

Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities through a surge in federal resources.

Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Regina Lombardo, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.

“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”

“The men and women of ATF are deeply committed to and focused on reducing crime gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “We are proud that our efforts have significantly contributed to the historic reductions in violence that our nation has realized in recent years. Operation Relentless Pursuit combines the resources of ATF, DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals to support our state and local law enforcement partners in those cities that – regrettably – continue to be plagued by rates of violent crime that are simply too high. Through Relentless Pursuit, we pledge to hold accountable the trigger-pullers, firearm traffickers, violent criminals and those who supply them the guns to terrorize our communities. ATF will aggressively utilize every available tool, including our crime gun enforcement teams, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and firearms tracing to identify, investigate and support the prosecution of the most violent firearm offenders.”

“Drug traffickers – including cartels and street gangs – will stop at nothing to turn a profit, often using violence and intimidation to expand their reach,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This targeted surge of resources will further strengthen our ability to work with our federal, state, and local partners to pursue the worst offenders and make our communities safer.” 

“The FBI remains committed to providing our specialized expertise and resources to assist our federal, state and local partners fighting violent crime,” said FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. “We are here today to reaffirm our dedication to reducing violent crime in the cities selected for Operation Relentless Pursuit to combat the threats that arise from gangs and criminal enterprises that drive violence in the communities we are sworn to protect.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service is proud of the integral role we play in supporting Attorney General Barr’s strong leadership and commitment to combating violent crime and enhancing public safety throughout our nation,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to make communities safer by addressing violent crime at its core and taking the worst of the worst fugitives and other felons off the streets.”

The operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.  

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FBI New Special Agent Steven D'Antuono Says Detroit & Michigan In The Upper Echelon Of Public Corruption

Pshaw!

I find your public corruption claims to be fantastic because you know darn well this upper echelon status for Detroit and the entire State of Michigan to be operating as fraudfeasors through fake ass Public Private Partnerships  like the Detroit Land Bank Authority, with foreign corporations, continues to be dismissed each and every time I bear witness in the public record.

Waiting.....

New FBI Detroit head talks white collar crime and Jimmy Hoffa

FOX 2

 - The new special agent in charge of the FBI in Detroit sat down and talked candidly about white collar crime, violent crime and Jimmy Hoffa.

FOX 2: "Where does Detroit rank when it comes to white-collar crime?"

He looks so proud.

September 16, 2019

Steven M. D'Antuono Named Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office

Director Christopher Wray has named Steven M. D’Antuono as the special agent in charge of the Detroit Field Office. Most recently, he served as a section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington.

Mr. D’Antuono joined the FBI as a forensic accountant in 1996, assigned to the Providence Resident Agency in Rhode Island, under the Boston Field Office. He supported criminal investigations into financial crimes, public corruption, organized crime, drugs, and counterintelligence. Mr. D’Antuono was appointed a special agent in 1998 and was assigned to the Washington Field Office, investigating white-collar crime and public corruption.

In 2004, Mr. D’Antuono was promoted to supervisory special agent at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he taught white-collar crime courses. He transferred to the Washington Field Office in 2008, where he supervised a public corruption and government fraud squad.

Mr. D’Antuono was promoted to an assistant special agent in charge at the St. Louis Field Office in 2014 overseeing the Criminal and Administrative branches. In 2017, Mr. D’Antuono was promoted to chief of the Financial Crimes Section of the Criminal Investigative Division. As section chief, Mr. D’Antuono oversaw all white-collar crime programs in the Bureau, including corporate securities and commodities fraud, economic crimes, financial institution fraud, money laundering, health care fraud, intellectual property, and forensic accountant programs.

Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. D’Antuono was a certified public accountant focused on auditing, forensic accounting, and taxation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Rhode Island.

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