A Southfield doctor has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the illegal distribution of over 200,000 prescription opioid pills. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, was convicted last Friday of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and ten counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.
The charges stem from Dr. Valentine’s work at the Orthopedic Medical Building between November 2016 and July 2018. During that period, she issued more than 3,000 opioid prescriptions, many without a legitimate medical purpose. The clinic reportedly accepted only cash payments, charging between $200 and $500 per prescription. Valentine received a share of the clinic’s earnings, totaling over $500,000.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Lievense and Wayne F. Pratt as part of the Department of Justice’s Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit initiative. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General.
Dr. Valentine is currently awaiting sentencing. Other individuals involved in the clinic, including Iris Winchester, Dr. Michele Ritter, Kristina Brown, and Joyce Robinson, have previously pleaded guilty.
