A Southfield doctor is facing serious prison time after a federal jury convicted her of illegally prescribing more than 200,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash, fueling addiction and abuse at the height of the opioid epidemic.
Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, was found guilty on April 25 of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and 10 counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, two of the most powerful and addictive prescription opioids on the market.
According to federal prosecutors, Dr. Valentine was one of two primary doctors at Orthopedic Medical Building, a sham clinic that operated out of a warehouse in Oak Park from 2016 to 2018. The “clinic” accepted cash only—charging up to $500 per visit—and had just one goal: push opioids for profit.
Patients didn’t need a real diagnosis, and if they didn’t get an opioid prescription, they didn’t have to pay. The so-called “appointments” were arranged by patient recruiters, not based on actual medical care. Prices were based on how many pills were prescribed and their dosage, not the patient’s needs.
Over a span of 19 months, Dr. Valentine issued over 3,000 prescriptions, accounting for more than 200,000 pills of highly addictive drugs. She pocketed more than $500,000 in cash, collected daily in envelopes stuffed with thousands of dollars—paid only when she wrote a prescription.
“The evidence in this case showed that Dr. Valentine was essentially selling prescriptions, not providing care,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck. “Instead of fighting the opioid epidemic, she was feeding it.”
The clinic was part of a wider criminal conspiracy that included fake medical records and price-gouging for pills with high street value. Several others involved—including another doctor, Dr. Michele Ritter, and clinic operator Iris Winchester—have already pleaded guilty.
“The medical profession is built on trust,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson. “Dr. Valentine violated that trust in the worst way—trading people’s health and safety for envelopes of cash.”
Dr. Valentine now awaits sentencing and could face substantial prison time. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, which uses data to track and prosecute medical professionals contributing to the national opioid crisis.
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