News Summary
In a sweeping crackdown, more than a dozen individuals in Michigan have been charged as part of a nationwide health care fraud investigation, with over 324 individuals indicted across the country. The fraud scheme, part of a broader Justice Department initiative, has inflicted financial losses estimated at $14.6 billion and involved illicit Medicaid fraud, illegal drug sales, and the distribution of millions of pills. Authorities emphasize the ongoing commitment to prosecuting those who exploit the health care system.
Detroit, Michigan — More than a dozen individuals in Michigan have been charged in connection with a nationwide health care fraud investigation that has resulted in charges against 324 individuals across the country. The fraud scheme is part of the Justice Department’s initiative dubbed the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action, which aims to root out corruption in the health care system.
The fraudulent activities have reportedly caused an estimated financial loss of $14.6 billion, with the schemes involving illegal Medicaid fraud and the unlawful sale of prescription drugs for cash. In a significant enforcement effort, federal investigators have seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets. Notably, the criminal actions reportedly involved the distribution of around 15 million pills illegally.
Among those charged are pharmacists, medical professionals, and individuals suspected of engaging in complex scheming that preyed on vulnerable populations. A few key figures include:
- Usman Ahmad, 66, (Lake Orion) — A pharmacist accused of distributing controlled substances illegally through his pharmacy.
- Durand Dynum, 46, (Canton) — Accused of recruiting fake patients for a clinic.
- Ebony Daniels, 33, (Eastpointe) — Charged with similar offenses as Dynum.
- Allen Satawhite, 37, (Detroit) — Also involved in recruiting fictitious patients.
- Wahid Makki, 62, and Zainab Makki, 62, (Dearborn Heights) — Accused of filing false claims to both Medicaid and Medicare, leading to a $1.5 million lawsuit settlement.
- Dr. Mohmmed Al-Shihabi, 55, (Northville) — Charged with submitting fraudulent Medicare claims totaling $450,000.
- Dr. Priti Bhardwaj, 55, (Bloomfield Township) — Charged with fraud totaling $1 million in claims.
- Ali Naserdean, 32, (Dearborn) — Allegedly billed over $6 million for unnecessary medications.
- Paul Eric Lyons, 41, (Fraser) and Tiffany Nicole Childs, 35, (Sterling Heights) — Charged in a $1.4 million dental fraud scheme, with Lyons also facing identity theft charges.
Also charged were James Alexander Carthron, 61, (Saginaw) and Daleena Taree Miller, 42, (Battle Creek), who are accused of making false Medicaid claims, the former for services that had not been performed and the latter for falsifying documents for claims totaling $8,640.
In addition, several entities such as Villa Financial Services LLC, Villa Olympia Investment LLC, and six nursing homes in Southeast Michigan have agreed to pay a total of $4.5 million to settle claims regarding failures to provide necessary services to residents.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel spoke about the extensive impact that fraud has on taxpayers and the vulnerable populations that depend on health care support. She highlighted the ongoing commitment to prosecuting those who exploit the system for personal gain. The Michigan Health Care Fraud Division, backed by federal and state funding, plays a critical role in investigating and prosecuting these cases to uphold the integrity of health care services.
The nationwide investigations are part of broader efforts to combat health care fraud, particularly practices that impact programs designed to assist the elderly and disabled. The ongoing commitment from federal and state entities reflects a coordinated strategy to deter fraudulent behaviors and ensure protection for those who rely on governmental health care benefits.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: 13 Michigan Residents Charged in Nationwide Health Care Fraud Probe
- Wikipedia: Health Care Fraud
- WLNS: 2 Michiganders Charged in $14.6B Health Care Fraud Bust
- Google Search: Health Care Fraud Trends
- WNEM: Several Charged in Scheme to Defraud Federal Health Care Programs
- Google Scholar: Health Care Fraud
- MLive: Saginaw Doctor, Battle Creek Care Worker Among 324 Charged in Nationwide Health Care Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care Fraud
- Healthcare Finance News: Michigan Doctor Sentenced for $63 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
- Google News: Michigan Health Care Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
