• Dr. Charise Valentine was convicted of conspiracy and illegal distribution of prescription opioids.
• Valentine issued over 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 opioid pills between November 2016 and July 2018.
• The Orthopedic Medical Building operated as a 'pill mill,' accepting only cash and profiting from fraudulent prescriptions.

Dr. Charise Valentine, a 69-year-old physician from Southfield, Michigan, was convicted in federal court for her involvement in a conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription opioids. Serving as one of the primary doctors at the Orthopedic Medical Building in Oak Park, Valentine issued over 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 pills, including oxycodone and oxymorphone, to individuals lacking legitimate medical needs. The clinic, operating as a cash-only business, charged patients between $200 and $500 per prescription, with prices determined by the quantity and type of opioid. Valentine allegedly received approximately 50% of the clinic's proceeds, totaling over $500,000 in cash over 19 months, contingent on writing opioid prescriptions.

• What: Dr. Charise Valentine was convicted of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids and 10 counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone and oxymorphone.
• Who: Dr. Charise Valentine, Iris Winchester, Dr. Michele Ritter, Kristina Brown, Joyce Robinson, Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck, FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson.
• When: The illegal activities occurred from November 2016 to July 2018. Valentine was convicted on April 25, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12.
• Where: The illegal activities took place at the Orthopedic Medical Building in Oak Park, Michigan.

The conviction of Dr. Valentine highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis by targeting medical professionals who contribute to the problem. The case reveals a sophisticated operation where a medical clinic was used as a front for illegal distribution of highly addictive drugs. The fact that Valentine was paid only when she prescribed opioids, rather than for actual medical care, underscores the corrupt nature of the scheme. The involvement of patient recruiters and the creation of fraudulent medical records further illustrate the depth of the conspiracy.

"Addressing the sources of the opioid epidemic – which include addictive opioid prescription pills as well as street drugs – remains a top priority of this office."

"The conviction of Dr. Valentine, who abused her position of trust by prescribing opioids in exchange for cash, underscores the FBI's strong commitment to holding medical professionals accountable under federal law."

Dr. Charise Valentine's conviction marks a significant step in addressing the illegal distribution of opioids in Michigan. The case highlights the severity of the opioid crisis and the measures being taken to hold medical professionals accountable for their roles in fueling the epidemic. With Valentine facing up to 20 years in prison, this conviction sends a clear message that such abuse of trust will not be tolerated. The focus remains on preventing similar incidents and addressing the broader sources of the opioid crisis.