Cancer Doctor Stays Locked Up, For Now, In Fraud Case
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - An Oakland County cancer specialist accused of intentionally misdiagnosing patients will stay in jail at least until Tuesday in an ongoing dispute over whether he should get bail while he fights the charges.
Detroit federal Judge Sean Cox is the third judge to look at the case. He said Friday he needs more information from both sides before holding a hearing Tuesday.
Dr. Farid Fata has been in custody since earlier this week.
The government says he ripped off Medicare for millions of dollars by giving chemotherapy to patients who didn't need it and diagnosing cancer when the illness wasn't apparent. [View a copy of the complaint].
A magistrate on Thursday said that Fata could be released from jail on the condition he does not see patients, wears an electronic tether and remains confined to his home. Bond was set at $170,000.
Prosecutors are appealing on the grounds the fear Fata, a native of Lebanon, may flee the country. The government also believes Fata has access to a great deal of money.
Defense attorney Christopher Andreoff said Fata is a U.S. citizen, does not own a home in Lebanon, and since 2001 only traveled to Lebanon one time … to see his ailing father.
Andreoff said in a court filing. He said his client "has no foreign bank accounts or liquid assets other than those in Michigan which have already been seized by the government,"
Prosecutors are still on the lookout for more victims in this case. Patients who have questions concerning their medical records and/or information regarding this investigation and prosecution are urged to call the U.S. Attorney's Office Information Line at 888-702-0553.
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