On April 25, 2025, Dr. Charise Valentine, a 69-year-old doctor based in Southfield, Michigan, was found guilty by a federal jury. She was convicted of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids such as Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, along with 10 counts of illegal distribution of these substances. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
The announcement also included details from Special Agent in Charge Cheyvorea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s Chicago Regional Office.
According to the investigation, Dr. Valentine was one of two main doctors at the Orthopedic Medical Building who issued illicit opioid prescriptions. From November 2016 to July 2018, she issued over 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 pills to individuals who lacked a legitimate medical need for them. Oftentimes, these individuals were brought to the clinic by recruiters or marketers. The clinic, described as a sham, operated from a warehouse in Oak Park, Michigan, and accepted only cash payments for prescriptions, charging $200-500 per prescription. No fees were charged if an opioid prescription wasn't provided.
The clinic based the prices on the quantity, type, and dosage of opioids prescribed, particularly Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg, known for their addictive nature and street value. The clinic also accepted cash payments to create fraudulent medical records for these so-called patients.
Dr. Valentine received half of the clinic's proceeds, amounting to over $500,000 in cash during the 19 months. Her compensation was tied to the issuance of opioid prescriptions rather than any medical services.
Other defendants in the case included clinic operator Iris Winchester, Dr. Michele Ritter, clinic employee Kristina Brown, and Joyce Robinson, all of whom have entered guilty pleas.
Addressing this issue, Acting U.S. Attorney Beck remarked, “Addressing the sources of the opioid epidemic – which include addictive opioid prescription pills as well as street drugs – remains a top priority of this office.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on doctors who misrepresent their profession to facilitate illegal opioid distribution.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, stated, "The conviction of Dr. Valentine, who abused her position of trust by prescribing opioids in exchange for cash, underscores the FBI's strong commitment to holding medical professionals accountable under federal law."
Additionally, Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, underscored the dangers posed by physicians who prescribe opioids without a medical basis. “Working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, our agency is committed to identifying and investigating those medical providers who place profits over patient safety.”
The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Lievense and Wayne F. Pratt, under the broader initiative of the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, which employs data to address the opioid crisis. The case was investigated by the FBI alongside the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General.
