Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that a dentist from Northville, Michigan, is facing 43 felony counts in connection with an alleged Medicaid fraud conspiracy.
Demetra C. Kazanis, 55, was arraigned in East Lansing on Wednesday on 42 charges of Medicaid fraud and one count of criminal enterprise.
Kazanis, a dentist at New You Dental Clinic in Livonia, is accused by state prosecutors of charging Medicaid for unnecessary fillings or less invasive operations with preventive resin restorations. “Abuse of the Medicaid program diverts critical funds away from those in need,” Nessel said in a statement. “Patients should be able to trust their dentist to deliver proper care, and taxpayers should be able to trust Medicaid providers to bill accurately. My department is still dedicated to punishing fraudsters who abuse the system.
Kazanis was issued a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on June 5 for a probable cause conference.
If convicted of running a criminal organization, Kazanis may face up to 20 years in jail and/or a $100,000 fine. Each offense of Medicaid fraud carries a maximum four-year jail sentence and/or a $50,000 fine.
The matter is being handled by the Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division.
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