Federal Indictment Reveals Multi-Million Dollar Prescription Drug Conspiracy in Oakland County

Federal Indictment Unveils Prescription Drug Conspiracy in Oakland County

Oakland County, always a vibrant hub of activities and businesses, has recently found itself at the center of a major federal investigation. On September 20, a federal indictment was unsealed, revealing a shocking multi-million dollar conspiracy involving the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. This case has drawn significant attention, especially considering the number of people involved.

Who’s Involved?

The indictment names nine individuals, including three local doctors and several residents, all of whom are accused of participating in this illicit drug distribution scheme. Among those charged are:

• Dr. Charles Wasson, aged 70, from Orchard Lake
• Dr. Maurice Potts, aged 65, from Detroit
• Dr. Bruce Kaplan, aged 83, from Commerce Township
• Sharlene Dawson (also known as Sharlene Crawford), aged 55, from Detroit
• Desiree King, aged 41, from Sterling Heights
• Lanise Gortman, aged 53, from Warren
• Aaron Thomas, aged 42, from Southfield
• Valecia Logan, aged 33, from Detroit
• Antoine Arnold, aged 38, from Mt. Clemens

The Scheme Unraveled

The indictment details an elaborate scheme that allegedly took place between June 2021 and September 2024. At the heart of it, Dawson is accused of running a clinic called P&A Aftercare in Southfield, where she employed the three doctors to prescribe controlled substances to “fake” patients. This means that the prescriptions, primarily for powerful painkillers like Oxycodone, Percocet, and Norco, were not issued for legitimate medical reasons.

The indictment claims that the doctors prescribed these medications in exchange for cash payments, stepping outside the boundaries of professional medical practice. As if that wasn’t enough, Gortman, Thomas, Logan, and Arnold reportedly acted as recruiters for these fake patients, ensuring that prescriptions were filled at local pharmacies before being sold on the streets.

Operational Backstage

In what sounds like a scene from a crime drama, King is alleged to have managed the front office of the clinic and was intricately involved in facilitating the issuance of these dubious prescriptions. Normally, prescriptions are covered under various health care benefits, but in this case, most were paid for in cash. This further impacted the Medicare and Medicaid programs, with billing for these medically unnecessary drugs exceeding a staggering $20 million during the course of the conspiracy.

The Impact

This news has left many community members concerned and shocked. The implications of such a wide-ranging scheme can have far-reaching effects, not only on those involved but also on the trust that the community has in local healthcare providers. As more details emerge, local leaders and residents will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks and months.

Staying Informed

As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of following legal and ethical practices in healthcare. It’s crucial for patients and their families to be aware of their health care choices and the prescriptions being written by their doctors.

In the spirit of community, let’s stay informed and support each other as we navigate through these events. Knowing what’s going on in our neighborhoods allows us to be proactive and advocate for a healthier environment for everyone.