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7 with Michigan ties are among dozens charged in federal health care fraud crackdown

Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News on

Published in News & Features

Furthermore, five other people associated with the Sammour's company — two registered nurses, two group home owners, and a licensed practical nurse — have also been charged for their involvement in the operation, according to authorities.

Bashier Sammour's attorney, Maria Mannarino, said Friday she has no comment about the case at this time.

Ibrahim Sammour's attorney, Michael Rataj, also said Friday he has no comment.

Scott is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $2.2 million in Medicare funds, Ison said. Officials allege she submitted fraudulent Medicare claims for home health care services through her company, Delta Home Health Care LLC. Scott allegedly paid patient recruiters illegal kickbacks, according to investigators.

Scott's attorney, Brent Jaffe, said Friday that his client will defend herself in court against the allegations.

Sharafeldin, who operated Prestige Specialty Pharmacy in Sterling Heights, was allegedly part of a scheme that billed Medicare more than $1 million in February and March 2023. Officials said he paid bribes and kickbacks to illegally acquire Medicare beneficiary information used to submit claims for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, regardless of whether clients requested them.

 

Sharafeldin's attorney was not immediately available for comment Friday.

"Medicare is an essential safety net for seniors and individuals with disabilities," Ison said in a statement. "The Department of Justice and my office are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who steal taxpayer funds intended to protect vulnerable members of our community."

Also Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said a Kalamazoo doctor pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare of more than $794,000.

Theresa Kordish has admitted to using a telehealth application to improperly approve orders for medical braces and genetic testing, Totten said.

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