Grand Rapids, Michigan – April 27, 2006 – United States Attorney Margaret M. Chiara announced today that Dr. Surabhi Desai, 51, a licensed dentist practicing in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to one count of an indictment, charging her with committing health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347(2). Dr. Desai submitted fraudulent claims to health care programs such as Delta Dental Plan of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for reimbursement of services that she never rendered.

In addition, Trilok Desai, age 54 and Dr. Desai’s husband, pleaded guilty to one count of an information, charging him with making a false statement relating to a health care matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035(a)(2). Trilok Desai assisted his wife in purchasing a dental practice from the estate of Dr. Earl Baxter, D.D.S., in Bloomfield Hills. Trilok Desai then submitted claims to his own insurance carrier for dental services purportedly rendered on his wife by Dr. Earl Baxter (who was deceased).

The charge against Dr. Desai of health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Her conviction will result in mandatory exclusion from participating in any federal health care program for at least 5 years, and may result in suspension or revocation of her professional license. Dr. Surabhi Desai also agreed to repay restitution of up to $182,000. Her sentencing has been scheduled for August 1, 2006.

The charge against Trilok Desai for making false statements relating to health care matters carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Trilok Desai agreed to repay restitution of up to $9,800 for the false claims submitted to his insurance company, JLT Services. His sentencing has been scheduled for August 1, 2006.

The charges to which the Desais have pleaded guilty were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled on behalf of the United States of America by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Colby Tanase.