SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after being found guilty of illegally prescribing more than 200,000 prescription opioid pills. The conviction came following a jury trial in April where Valentine was found guilty of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute opioids and 10 counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone and oxymorphone, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office.
From November 2016 through July 2018, Valentine issued over 3,000 prescriptions for opioids to individuals without legitimate medical need. Most of these prescriptions were linked to a so-called “sham clinic” operating out of a warehouse in Oak Park, known as the Orthopedic Medical Building.
The clinic accepted only cash payments, charging patients between $200 to $500 per prescription if medication was provided. Prosecutors revealed Valentine was paid more than $500,000 in cash over 19 months, with payments tied strictly to writing prescriptions—not to providing medical care. Investigators found Valentine received envelopes filled with thousands of dollars in cash on the days she worked.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. condemned Valentine’s actions:
“Doctors take an oath to heal, not poison. As a doctor, this defendant knew better than anyone the devastating harm that opioid addiction causes to people. There is no place in our community for corrupt doctors.”
Other individuals involved in the scheme, including another doctor, a recruiter, and a clinic operator, have also pleaded guilty and received prison sentences.
The investigation was led by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
