Grand Rapids, Michigan – December 13, 2006 – United States Attorney Margaret M. Chiara announced that on December 11, Dr. Surabhi Desai, 51, a licensed dentist practicing in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Richard Alan Enslen to a 15-month term of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release, restitution of $147,024, and a fine of $50,000, for 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 had never been provided by her.

On the same date, Trilok Desai, Surabhi Desai’s husband, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation and restitution of $9,800 for 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, in Bloomfield Hills. Trilok Desai then submitted claims to the insurance providers for dental services which he falsely represented had been provided to Surabhi Desai by Dr. Baxter, who was then deceased.

Dr. Desai’s 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.

Ms. Chiara expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent Paul Smith, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Christina Kleinpaste, Delta Dental Auditor Christine Danford, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Investigator Tom Clickner, who jointly investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Colby Tanase prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States of America.