An Oakland County doctor has entered a guilty plea after being accused of insurance fraud by the state attorney general's office. Dr. Rainna Furnari Brazil, 57, from Sylvan Lake, admitted to collecting over $400,000 in disability payments from Unum Life Insurance Company of America while still working and earning as a physician between 2017 and 2021, as reported by The Detroit News.
In a detailed confession, Brazil acknowledged to three counts of pretenses of $100,000 or more, among other charges. She not only deceived the insurance company by denying her paid work as a physician but also failed to file taxes. According to a press release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Brazil agreed to a plea deal that requires her to pay $458,962 in total restitution. "Fraudulent activities can harm legitimate claimants, and I am pleased that we were able to secure a just resolution in this matter," Nessel said in a statement, as per The Detroit News.
The case that unraveled these misdeeds was referred to the attorney general's office by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Fraud Investigation Unit. The conditions of Brazil's plea include varying outcomes based on the amount of restitution she pays during an 11-month suspended sentence period. As initially reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, a $50,000 payment had already been made by Brazil at the time of her plea.
Looking ahead, Brazil's future hangs in a balance of recompense; if she manages to pay at least $100,000 within 11 months, the majority of the charges will be dismissed, sparing her a longer sentence. Anita Fox, director of DIFS, emphasized the broader implications of insurance fraud, stating, "Insurance fraud raises costs for all Michiganders, and we will continue to work with the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute those who abuse the system for personal gain." This sentiment was echoed by Nessel. However, should Brazil fail to meet the payment thresholds, she faces sentencing on all charges. Brazil is set to be sentenced by the Honorable David M. Cohen of the 6th Circuit Court on November 25 as reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
