Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
A Livonia gynecologist, 63-year-old Jonathan Agbebiyi of Sterling Heights, has been ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution to the government after being convicted of Medicare fraud. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Agbebiyi was convicted on charges of conspiracy to committing health care fraud and six counts of health care fraud in May of this year. News reports also state that the doctor was sentenced on November 8 to 5 years in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Between 2007 and 2010, Agbebiyi worked at three clinics in Livonia.
Agbebiyi, who reportedly bilked Medicare for $5.4 million, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow. During the week-long trial, evidence was allegedly presented which revealed that Agbebiyi performed neurological tests which were medically unnecessary in the conspiracy to bill Medicare. Court documents claim that diagnostic tests were administered by clinic employees according to news sources, and that these employees lacked “meaningful training.”
According to prosecutors, patients were lured to the clinics by the promise of cash, prescriptions and fast food, and were not referred by other physicians. The FBI and U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case, stating that some patients underwent testing that involved sending an electric current through the legs and arms. Patients who received these tests were not followed up on for further neurological treatment according to reports which state that Medicare was billed about $515 for each one of these tests.
This case was part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations, a federal government program that has charged over 1,300 defendants across the nation since 2007 with more than $4 billion in Medicare fraud.
Michigan fraud defense attorneys know that those convicted on charges of Medicare fraud will face severe penalties. In most cases, those involved will be subject to significant fines, prison time, and restitution, or repayment of the money illegally gained from Medicare.
If you have been accused of or arrested for embezzlement, fraud or other white collar crimes, consult with an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away for sound legal guidance and support.