Metro Detroit Doctor Charged With Felony Sex Offenses, Drug Delivery, Fraud
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - A 67-year-old doctor is facing several charges after investigators say he ran a scheme that traded sexual favors for prescription pills at two family health clinics in metro Detroit.
John Verbovsky was arraigned Tuesday in Ingham County's 54B District Court on two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of conducting a criminal enterprise/racketeering, one count of conspiracy to deliver controlled substances less than 50 grams, and nine counts of Medicaid fraud -- false claim.
Attorney General Bill Schuette said that instead of prescribing controlled substances based upon medical need, Verbovsky allegedly used his prescriptive authority as a physician to coerce sexual favors and money from patients at Progressive Family Medicine in Sterling Heights and at Stout Family Medicine in Detroit.
An investigation into the allegations also revealed that the Medicaid program was apparently billed and paid for prescriptions that were written by Verbovsky without medical necessity.
"Physicians are supposed to heal their patients, not exploit them," Schuette said in a statement. "We will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone attempting to compromise the integrity of our healthcare system at the expense of patient safety and taxpayer dollars."
Verbovsky, who surrendered himself to the court, was granted a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. He's due back in court for a pre-exam conference on Feb. 20. A preliminary exam is set for Feb. 26. If convicted as charged, he faces up to life in prison and several thousands of dollars in fines.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who thinks they might have been a victim, or who has any other information on the case is urged to contact the state's Health Care Fraud 24-Hotline at 1-800-24-ABUSE.
