AG: Detroit Area Doctor Wrote Prescriptions In Exchange For Sex

LANSING (WWJ) - A Detroit area doctor has been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for prescribing medicine without any medical need in exchange for cash or sex.

Ronald Verbovsky, 65, pleaded guilty to two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct, racketeering and medical fraud.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says an investigation revealed Verbovsky, of Southfield, was prescribing controlled substances for uses other than medical treatment and "using his prescriptive authority" to coerce sexual favors and money from patients.

Prosecutors said Verbovsky got at least two female patients addicted to prescription pills and then demanded they have sex with him to get refills.

It was also discovered, Schuette said, that Medicaid was billed and paid for prescriptions that were written by Verbovsky without medical necessity.

"The predatory conduct exhibited in this case is particularly reprehensible considering the offender here had taken a professional oath to care for the sick," said Schuette, in a media release. "He has harmed patients and damaged families, his behavior is inexcusable and Verbovsky will never practice medicine again."

Schuette said the "patient harm" license revocation laws applied in this case are based on infamous Oakland County oncologist Farid Fata's patient abuse.

Verbovsky turned himself in to authorities back in February and was sentenced by an Ingham County Circuit Court judge this week.

He practiced as a doctor of osteopathic medicine at his clinic, Progressive Family Medicine, in Sterling Heights and at Stout Family Medicine in Detroit.