Warner Norcross + Judd Partner Alan T. Rogalski was featured in a Detroit News article discussing his successful defense of a metro Detroit doctor in what is considered one of the largest health care fraud cases ever prosecuted in the U.S.
Rogalski, who co-chairs Warner’s Health Care Industry Group, co-led the defense of Dr. Rajendra Bothra, who, along with three other physicians, collectively faced more than 40 counts of health care fraud related to their work at The Pain Center in Warren and related businesses. The case alleged the center was operating as a prescription “pill mill” to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and provide unnecessary procedures and prescriptions totaling nearly $500 million. The jury ultimately found the group not guilty and acquitted them of all charges.
“The government’s case hinged on five key pillars, each of which crumbled under careful cross-examination,” Rogalski told the Detroit News. “It was one of the most remarkable moments of my professional career watching [Bothra] taking his first steps back to a normal life.”
Bothra was incarcerated for 43 months despite numerous attempts to be released on a $7 million bond. During that time, the FBI seized roughly $17.2 million from bank accounts linked to Bothra and his family, his pain clinics were closed, he contracted COVID and his health suffered terribly.
“The effect on his professional and personal life and the effect on his family has been horrendous," Rogalski said. "His business which was incredibly successful — this was something he had spent his entire professional career developing and it was taken from him.”
The patients at his clinics were affected, as well, Rogalski said. “It made it very difficult for these patients to find health care practitioners who would take care of them.”
Detroit News subscribers can read the full story here.
Rogalski led a team of Warner attorneys defending Bothra. Warner’s Health Care Industry Group includes more than two-dozen attorneys practicing in nine offices across Michigan and provides broad and comprehensive experience in health law including counsel in all areas of corporate planning, regulatory and reimbursement compliance, licensing, certification, accreditation, medical staff administration, physician recruiting, joint ventures, criminal and civil white-collar defense, peer-review actions, reimbursement matters, antitrust and other issues.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
# # #
