Bloomfield Hills Doctor Convicted of $6M Medicare Fraud Scheme

Bloomfield Hills Doctor Convicted of $6M Medicare Fraud Scheme

JUSTICE.GOV

For Immediate Release

A federal jury convicted a Michigan doctor today for causing the submission of over $6.3 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces ordered through a telemarketing scheme.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sophie Toya, M.D., 55, of Bloomfield Hills, signed thousands of prescriptions for orthotic braces for over 2,500 Medicare patients during a six-month period. Toya was not the treating physician for any of these patients and, instead, was connected with some of the patients over the telephone through a telemarketing scheme and spoke to the patients briefly before signing orthotic brace prescriptions for them. For other patients, Toya signed prescriptions without having any contact with them.

In one instance, Toya prescribed a lower back brace, right and left shoulder braces, a right wrist brace, right and left knee braces, and right and left ankle braces for a single Medicare patient. Toya also prescribed multiple braces for undercover agents posing as five different Medicare patients after speaking to each agent for less than a minute over the telephone.

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The evidence presented at trial showed that Toya could not possibly have diagnosed the patients or determined that the braces were medically necessary for them. Nonetheless, Toya signed medical records and prescriptions for braces that falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary and that she diagnosed the beneficiaries, had a plan of care for them, and recommended that they receive certain additional treatment.

Toya’s false prescriptions were used by brace supply companies to bill Medicare more than $6.3 million.

Toya was paid approximately $120,000 in exchange for signing the fraudulent prescriptions.

The jury convicted Toya of one count of health care fraud and five counts of false statements relating to health care matters. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for health care fraud and five years in prison on each of the false statements relating to health care matters counts.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Only 120k out of 6.3 million!! Looks like the scammer got scammed. But who really got scammed – You did…Once again. —> Punishment will probably be a good job in politics raising campaign funds.

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School district says marijuana-related incidents on the rise

School district says marijuana-related incidents on the rise

School district reports an increase in marijuana-related incidents at schools and calls on leaders to take action.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District has observed a substantial rise in the use of marijuana edibles and vape pens within schools. In light of this concerning trend, the district is appealing to local, state, and federal leaders to promptly implement a policy addressing this issue.

In an email sent on Thursday, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti reports a significant increase in drug-related incidents within the district. Between 2019 and 2021, there were 289 recorded incidents. However, the number has surged to 1,735 between 2021 and 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and immediate action to address this concerning issue.

The email reportedly reached ot to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, city council members, and Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

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Whitmer Signs Bills for Health Services and Criminal Justice

Whitmer Signs Bills for Health Services and Criminal Justice

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that aims to establish a licensure framework for dietitian nutritionists. The governor also signed legislation that delivers ongoing funding for trial courts across the state, reducing costs for local municipalities.

 

“Today’s commonsense, bipartisan bills will improve health care licensing for dietitian nutritionists and protect critical funding for trial courts,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will continue delivering on the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives, from health care to public safety. Let’s keep working together to build a brighter, safer future for Michigan.”

 

House Bill 4608, sponsored by state Representative Laurie Pohutsky, establishes licensing requirements and standards for dietitians and nutritionists. By doing so, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals who provide dietary advice and guidance meet certain qualifications and adhere to professional standards.

 

“I sponsored House Bill 4608 to protect Michiganders and help make sure crucial healthcare is accessible and affordable,” said Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). “Now, when individuals are looking to receive a dietician’s opinion, individuals can easily identify qualified and trustworthy providers — that is very important when it comes to health and wellness. Licensure will also help ensure medical nutrition therapy is covered by insurance, making it much more accessible for countless Michiganders. It is a win to have the governor sign this into law today.”

Justice for All…

House Bill 5392, sponsored by state Representative Sarah Lightner, provides essential funding to ensure trial courts have the necessary resources to operate effectively. By supporting our courts, Michigan becomes a safer place for all its residents.

 

“This bill is a step forward toward our shared goal of courts that are funded fairly all across Michigan while maintaining the independence of the judicial branch,” said State Court Administrator Tom Boyd. “We look forward to providing the Governor and Legislature with the data, information, and recommendations they need to take the next steps in this process as we work together to develop and implement a long-term funding plan that delivers justice for all.”

 

“We appreciate the legislature acting in a bipartisan fashion to extend the expiring sunset,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “With Governor Whitmer taking swift action to sign this legislation, we ensure the seamless functioning of the district and municipal courts supported by cities across the state.”

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments that could impact bribery cases in Illinois

The high court is reviewing a law that’s popular among federal prosecutors — including those pursuing former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

A cash-strapped mayor in northwest Indiana goes to a trucking company after engineering city contracts in its favor, and he tells its owners he needs money.

They pay him $13,000 for consulting. But there’s no evidence he did any work.

The feds call that corruption. But next week, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether the mayor even committed a crime under a law that’s popular among federal prosecutors — including those pursuing former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

Read more here at the Chicago Sun Times

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MSP Flint post commander rigging promotion exams says lawsuit

The former commander of the Michigan State Police post in Flint is alleged to have been providing answers to promotion exam questions to favored officers, while also engaging in retaliatory actions against others, as stated in a federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Flint, sheds additional light on an ongoing MSP internal affairs investigation that originated at the Flint post. This investigation has resulted in several personnel actions, including firings, forced retirements, a demotion, and a resignation. Furthermore, it has had an impact on the MSP post in West Branch, located in Ogemaw County.

First Lt. Yvonne Brantley, who was the post commander in Flint, retired in lieu of being fired. Sgt. Jared Chiros, who worked at the Flint post, had resigned.

Brantley is the sole defendant named in the lawsuit filed by Trooper Evan Neilson, although Chiros also holds a substantial involvement in the legal proceedings.

The internal affairs investigation determined that Brantley would favor or target certain individuals for promotion or non-promotion and for those who she wanted promoted, she would feed them answers to test questions and provide the test questions to prepare for taking the examination the lawsuit alleges.

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Question: I need to sue the police for civil rights violations. Do you do that?

Answer: We are sorry. We are a legal defense firm and will fight for your rights and freedom in the “justice system” but we do not do lawsuits at this time. Maybe in the near future.

 

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Paid surrogacy no longer a crime in Michigan

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Paid surrogacy no longer a crime in Michigan after Whitmer signs MI Family Protection Act into law

For over 30 years, individuals in Michigan who sought to build a family through the assistance of a paid surrogate might have encountered potential legal repercussions, including imprisonment or financial penalties.

Under a series of bills signed into law on Monday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, that is no longer the case.

Michigan Family Protection Act

The Michigan Family Protection Act is comprised of nine bills—House Bills 5207 through 5215. Together, these bills support parents, children born through surrogacy or IVF, and LGBTQ+ parents who deserve to be treated equally. Specifically, the bills will:

  • Legalize and regulate surrogacy, allowing Michiganders to have children in an environment that protects the children, the parents, and the surrogates.
  • Align with the best practices by ensuring that individuals who serve as surrogates are fairly compensated, have their own legal representation, and are screened by medical professionals before entering into an agreement.
  • Ensure children born by surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology (including IVF) are treated equally under the law.
  • Change outdated state law to treat LGBTQ+ families equally and eliminate the need for them to go through a costly and invasive process to get documentation confirming their parental status. Even if they move to a state that does not respect these basic rights, these bills help ensure they cannot be denied their relationship to their child.
  • Make it easier and cheaper for all Michigan families to get formal recognition of their parental relationship to their children.

“Seeing these bills through to the governor has been one of the most challenging, emotional and rewarding efforts of my legislative career. I couldn’t have done it without my partners at the Capitol, around Michigan and across the nation who have worked so hard to make this long-overdue change to state law,” said state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), lead sponsor of the package.

“For the couples that have relied on IVF to start or grow their families; for those who wanted to turn to surrogacy but couldn’t execute a contract; for parents struggling to adopt their own biological children — today is a new day. With protections for IVF, legal surrogacy contracts and clear legal links between parent and child, Michigan is a freer and more welcoming state today than we were yesterday.”

“Today marks an exciting moment in our ongoing fight to protect people’s freedom to decide when and how to start a family,” said state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing). “Having personally experienced the life-changing impact of IVF, I know the profound significance these treatments can provide people. That’s why I’m so proud that we’re safeguarding these rights in Michigan. This is a promise to every individual and couple that they have the right and autonomy to plan their pathway to parenthood — and experience the joy of bringing life into this world, if they choose.”

“This bill package is important for Michiganders, and today is a memorable and very significant day as it becomes law,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), sponsor of HB 5215. “Michigan is the last state in the nation to legalize contractual surrogacy. As a father of three, I know how important and meaningful it is to grow your family, and today we are allowing Michiganders the choice to determine when, how or if they will grow a family. Dems are committed to securing your reproductive health rights.”

Protecting Reproductive Freedom

As other states seek to restrict IVF, ban abortion, and make it harder to start a family, Michigan is supporting women and protecting reproductive freedoms for everyone.

In 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away the constitutional right to abortion that American women had for half a century. Many states either passed or had preexisting bans on abortion that went into effect. Michigan had a pre-existing law on the books banning abortion without exceptions for rape or incest and criminalizing nurses and doctors for providing reproductive health care.

In November 2022, Michiganders voted overwhelmingly to pass Proposal 3, which enshrined the right to reproductive freedom in the Michigan constitution. This action protected the right to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion, miscarriage management, and infertility in the Michigan constitution.

Since then, attacks on reproductive freedom have continued. Last month, Right to Life Michigan filed a lawsuit challenging Proposal 3, threatening access to IVF, prenatal care, and other reproductive health care.

More recently, the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling to take IVF away from families put this procedure used by millions of Americans to have children every year at risk. There have been bills introduced in over a dozen other states and at the federal level that would ban IVF.

The Call With the  Question we Anticipate in Today’s Environment

Question: Can I start a surrogacy handmaid tale type of business in Michigan now that it’s not a crime? How much does it pay?

Answer: That is not our field of law. We suggest you ask the Govenor, Attorney General and refer to the new laws. Call us when you get arrested.

 

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