The Palm Beach County Sober Homes Task Force, is a multiagency team committed to cutting down illegal practices in the recovery industry. Recently, they made their fourth arrest in just five days. The latest charged individual is at the Palm Beach County Jail on 14 counts of patient brokering.
The case alleges an owner operates a recovery center called Anchorage Sober Living and has been sober and clean for about two years. The government’s case alleges that he, along with John Dudek, Bryan Norquist, and Patrick Norquist, entered into patient referral contracts with Whole Life Recovery, a treatment center in Boynton Beach. Accused of receiving kickbacks for referring clients with insurance to Whole Life Recovery, the men face serious charges.
The owner of Whole Life Recovery, James Kigar, signed the checks that were delivered. Kigar was arrested and the others involved on charges of patient brokering as well.
Effects on the Industry
Sober home operators and other individuals in the industry have experienced increased anxiety and uncertainty over this string of recent arrests. Many do not even know that patient brokering is illegal due to its widespread practice within the sober home industry. Many also say that the law governing this area is vague.
Palm Beach County State Attorney, Dave Aronberg, stated that the arrests made so far are just the beginning and that the task force expects to make a huge impact in the industry. See our website (hyperlink to new web page) for more information about these types of charges.
CONTACT A PATIENT BROKERING LAWYER IN WEST PALM BEACH
Due to the current crackdown on patient brokering in Florida, many individuals or organizations may face charges that are inaccurate, misinformed, or entirely false in the task force’s race to make a big impact in the patient brokering industry. If you have been charged with patient brokering, get experienced legal guidance immediately. Ron Herman hold the record for obtaining one of the few not guilty verdicts in patient brokering case started by the Task Force. Ron is well-known in and out of the legal community as a skilled criminal litigator who is respected by judges, prosecutors, and community leaders. He has extensive experience defending a wide range of medical and business professionals in the healthcare field. We do not take every case, and chose to represent select clients because the right fit is important. Most of our clients come referred from other lawyers and community leaders. We understand the sensitive nature of the allegations and help prominent defendants navigate the stressful government investigation process from grand jury to indictment, through plea negotiations, and trial. Contact us to see how we can work together.