Michigan Doctor Sentenced to Four Years for $6.3M Medicare Fraud Scheme

 

A Michigan doctor was sentenced to four years in prison for a $6.3 million Medicare fraud scheme in which elderly and disabled patients were sent thousands of orthotic braces that they did not need.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sophie Toya, M.D., 56, of Bloomfield Hills, prescribed over 7,900 orthotic braces to more than 2,600 Medicare patients during a six-month period. The patients were solicited through deceptive television commercials offering free back braces. When they called the advertised telephone number, they were persuaded to accept braces for other parts of their bodies, with the promise that Medicare would pay. Toya spoke to some of these patients briefly over the phone, and she had no contact at all with the others. Toya nonetheless signed orders prescribing more than 7,900 braces, including prescribing four or more braces to nearly 1,000 patients.

Toya prescribed as many as 136 braces in a day, 12 braces for a single patient, and numerous braces for undercover agents posing as Medicare beneficiaries after speaking with them by telephone for less than a minute. The prescriptions and accompanying medical records signed by Toya falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary and that she diagnosed the beneficiaries, had a plan of care for them, and recommended that they receive certain additional treatment. In the case of one patient, to whom Toya prescribed five braces for which Medicare was billed $3,883, she falsely attested that she evaluated the patient and that the patient was mobile when, in fact, the patient had long been confined to a wheelchair, could not walk or stand, and was suffering from a dangerous spinal infection that could not be treated by braces but instead required spinal surgery.

Toya’s false prescriptions were used by brace supply companies to bill Medicare more than $6.3 million. Toya was paid approximately $120,000 by purported telemedicine companies in exchange for signing the fraudulent prescriptions.

On May 10, 2024, Toya was convicted following an eight-day trial on one count of health care fraud and five counts of false statements relating to health care matters. Toya was also ordered to pay $3,606,935 in restitution and $120,475 in forfeiture.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. The case was charged as part of Operation Rubber Stamp, a coordinated nationwide law enforcement operation that targeted medical professionals who participated in fraudulent telemedicine schemes.

Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Trial Attorney Chris Wenger of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

Back from the Brink: DEC Announces New Collaborative Study Estimates Population of Hudson River Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon

 

Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon Now Thriving in the Hudson River with Population Estimates at Nearly 70,000

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced new research that estimates the population of endangered shortnose sturgeon in the Hudson River to be nearly 70,000 individuals, likely making it the largest population of sturgeon anywhere in the world. The study was coauthored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC). 

"Sturgeon are among the most endangered animals in the world and New York State appreciates the partnership with USGS EESC and other academic research scientists who collaborated with DEC experts to conduct this significant study,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “The discovery of this massive sturgeon population in the Hudson River demonstrates the value of DEC’s Hudson and Delaware Marine Fisheries management of the migratory and resident fishes of the Hudson River estuary through numerous long-term monitoring surveys since the 1980s and highlights the success of the State’s ongoing efforts to restore species like the shortnose sturgeon.” 

“The findings, published in a recent scientific article in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, highlight both the resilience of shortnose sturgeon as well as the importance of interdisciplinary science to address difficult environmental problems," said Shannon White, a research biologist at EESC and lead author of the study. 

The shortnose sturgeon was once abundant in rivers along the Atlantic coast. However, their numbers declined dramatically as the result of overfishing and habitat degradation, leading to their listing under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973. During this period, the population in the Hudson was estimated to be only about 6,000 adults. 

 

“This study shows that prohibitions on harvest and other protective measures enacted to support population recovery and substantial investments were successful to improve the health of the Hudson River ecosystem,” said DEC Division of Marine Resources Director Martin Gary. 

In spring 2021, DEC’s Hudson and Delaware Marine Fisheries, in partnership with USGS EEC, Cornell University, University of Delaware, and Delaware State University, embarked on a large-scale project to update estimates for the Hudson’s shortnose sturgeon population using acoustic telemetry and side-scan sonar. Acoustic telemetry uses stationary receivers to detect signals emitted from tagged marine species such as sturgeon. Side-scan sonar uses sound waves to create an image of the river floor and objects in the water column. The researchers use telemetry in tandem with side-scan sonar to locate and count fish. 

“By combining these methods, we can efficiently assess population status and track recovery progress, even in a large estuary such as the Hudson,” said White. 

With funding provided by the Hudson River Foundation, a collaborative team was assembled to assess the status of this shortnose sturgeon population for the first time in three decades, a daunting task for fishes that roam throughout more than 150 miles of the tidal river. To address this challenge, the team developed a new statistical tool that combines data from side-scan sonar surveys, processed using artificial intelligence, with telemetry.

 

Despite the encouraging population estimate, the study also raises concerns about the sturgeons' vulnerability to localized disturbances. More than 40 percent of the population congregates in a small overwintering habitat, which coincides with an area of high human activity, including commercial shipping and underwater construction. This finding underscores the vulnerability of the population, despite its numerical abundance.  

Learn more by visiting the Shortnose sturgeon page on the NOAA website or USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center. 

The study was conducted in partnership with Cornell University, University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and DEC with funding from the Hudson River Foundation and DEC’s Hudson  River Estuary Management Program through New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund. All shortnose sturgeon were collected and tagged under a National Marine Fisheries Service Endangered Species Act Research permit # 20340.

Governor Hochul Announces Release of the Draft 2050 New York State Transportation Master Plan For Public Review

Plan Provides a Long-Range Vision for “Community-Centered Transportation” in New York State

Public Encouraged To Review Plan and Attend Virtual Forums on July 8

Review the Plan Here

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the draft 2050 New York State Transportation Master Plan, which will shape the development of New York’s transportation infrastructure for the coming decades, is now available for the public to review. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), in partnership with transportation agencies across the state, drafted this forward-looking plan and is now seeking input from the public to help inform the completion of the final document planned for later this summer. Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft plan and attend one of two virtual public forums planned for July 8.

“New York State is making historic investments to rebuild our infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and we want to keep this momentum going well into the future,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to read this draft master plan and offer their feedback so that we can ensure that New Yorkers get a transportation network that meets their needs, not only for today but in the decades to come as well.”

NYSDOT recognizes that transportation is about more than infrastructure — it is about people, places and experiences. Every day, millions of New York residents and visitors rely on the State’s network of roads, public transit, bicycle trails, and sidewalks to access jobs, education, health care and recreation. New York’s highways, railways, airports and ports support the movement of essential products and goods and connect communities across the state and the world. Decisions about transportation today will have long-lasting impacts.

At the same time, rapid change is occurring and there are new challenges and issues to consider — such as travel behavior changes, new technology advancements and more extreme weather resulting from climate change. As a result, there is a vital need to look beyond specific transportation projects today and create a holistic vision for the future of transportation in our communities.

The draft New York State Transportation Master Plan lays out a vision for “community-centered transportation” throughout New York State with an outlook to 2050. It identifies policies and priorities to support thriving communities, economic vitality, a clean and healthy environment, and other community-based goals. Specifically, it:

• Describes New York’s existing transportation system and how it is performing;
• Discusses key trends and issues affecting transportation that are anticipated to be important in the future;
• Identifies transportation goals, objectives and performance measures for tracking progress; and
• Defines strategic directions, policies and priorities for New York State’s multimodal transportation system

Input from the public is vital to ensure that the plan addresses the transportation needs of all state residents and visitors. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the New York State Transportation Master Plan 2025 website to review the draft document, provide feedback and register for future updates. Information is also available on the website about how to register for virtual public forums that are planned for Tuesday, July 8, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

NYSDOT is committed to engagement across all regions of the state, including outreach to historically underserved communities and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate. To ensure that those who need assistance can access the Draft Plan and attend the Virtual Public Forums, accommodations can be requested by emailing Colleen Smith-Lemmon at Colleen.Smith-Lemmon@dot.ny.gov. 

Statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on the FY26 Adopted Budget Agreement

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement:

“New York City faces a critical moment as the Trump Administration prepares to eviscerate essential services, blow holes in New York City’s budget, and erode the rights and wellbeing of New Yorkers. Mayor Eric Adams has been an accomplice to many of those harms. While the FY26 budget agreement includes some improvements thanks to the Speaker and City Council’s advocacy, it still leaves New York City far too vulnerable to Trump’s ongoing assaults.

“The budget agreement adds nothing to the Rainy Day Fund or to the General Reserve, and therefore fails to protect the City from the pressing threat of federal budget cuts. Trump already slashed 7,700 housing vouchers that New York families rely on, and far larger – likely multibillion dollar – cuts loom to health care, food stamps, and more. It is a dereliction of duty to the future of New York City to fail to shore up our reserves.

“I’m grateful to Speaker Adrienne Adams and the City Council for insisting on an additional $42 million for legal services to immigrants facing deportation, as immigrant advocacy groups and my office demanded. Along with the $50 million added in the New York State budget by Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, New York is in position to respond to the emergency created by Trump’s lawless assault on asylum seekers, whose fundamental rights are being stripped away every single day. I urge City and State leaders to join me at immigration court and bear witness to what is happening to New Yorkers being disappeared without legal basis or a shred of humanity – and to move with urgency to convert these budget dollars into on-the-ground assistance.

“I’m also glad to see the City Council additions to seven-day service at ten additional library branches and for a pilot program for child care for two-year-olds. New Yorkers are clamoring for a more affordable and livable city. These steps are far less bold than the ones New Yorkers raised their voices for on Tuesday, but are steps forward.

“Mayor Adams’ budget dancing has left New Yorkers exhausted and poorly prepared for the threats Trump poses. We need leadership that is prepared to rise to the challenges we face.”

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Adrian Wilburne

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Adrian Wilburne, who died on December 9, 2023 following a motor vehicle collision involving an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Nassau County. After a thorough investigation, which included review of footage from a nearby traffic camera and body-worn camera footage from responding officers, review of cell phone data, a consultation with a collision reconstructionist, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the involved officer’s conduct constituted criminally negligent homicide, and therefore criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

In the early morning hours of December 9, an off-duty NYPD officer was driving in his personal vehicle eastbound on Merrick Road in Nassau County. Merrick Road has a speed limit of 30 MPH and intersects with Oceanside Road at a crosswalk with a traffic light. As the officer approached the intersection with Oceanside Road, he had a green light and proceeded through the intersection at a speed of 66 to 67 MPH. Mr. Wilburne was walking northbound in the crosswalk and was struck by the off-duty officer’s vehicle. Mr. Wilburne was pronounced dead at the scene.

In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person caused a death when they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. In this case, though the officer was driving more than 30 MPH above the posted speed limit, there was no evidence that the officer’s conduct was “morally blameworthy” as required by case law to constitute criminally negligent homicide. Evidence indicates that the officer was not impaired by drugs or alcohol or distracted by his cell phone at the time of the crash.

In this case, though the collision caused Mr. Wilburne’s death, OSI concludes a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s conduct was “morally blameworthy,” constituting criminally negligent homicide. Therefore, OSI concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

 

A Chicago man was convicted of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.

According to court documents, Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of the terrorist group.

In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”

Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.

Al Safoo was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

The FBI Chicago Field Office is investigating the case.

Honduran National Charged With Assaulting Federal Security Officer And Attempting To Seize Firearm At 26 Federal Plaza

 

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, announced the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging JOEL ANTONIO ALONZO with assaulting a federal protective security officer and attempting to seize the officer’s service firearm.  The incident occurred on June 6, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, where Immigration Court proceedings are conducted.  The defendant is was presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Barabara Moses. 

“The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Joel Antonio Alonzo’s alleged attempt to forcibly seize a firearm from a federal security officer in a crowded public area endangered not only law enforcement personnel but also civilians, including children, nearby.  We will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who threatens the safety of our communities and the federal officers sworn to protect them.” 

“Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.  “This incident underscores a disturbing trend—assaults against ICE personnel have increased.  Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]

On or about June 6, 2025, ALONZO arrived in the proximity of Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza where civilians, including children, were present.  ALONZO immediately exhibited disruptive behavior, forcing his way ahead of others and aggressively tossing papers at service window personnel.

While federal protective security officers were attempting to assist ALONZO, ALONZO suddenly lunged at one officer and grabbed his loaded service firearm with significant force, attempting to pull the firearm from its holster, as seen in the photo below.

Due to the quick actions and training of the federal protective security officers, ALONZO was unsuccessful and immediately restrained.

ALONZO, 19, of Honduras, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

State Senator Gustavo Rivera was honored to present a check for $250,000 to Bronx House to keep the doors open for the afterschool program next school year.

Senator Rivera and Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr. joined Bronx House staff, children and families from this great program to celebrate the end of the school year and the $500,000 secured to ensure families can access high quality after school in their own neighborhood.

“I’m incredibly proud of the half a million dollars that Assemblymember Zaccaro Jr. and I secured for Bronx House’s after school program," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “With the cost of childcare continuing to rise, this substantial funding will keep this vital program running, which in turn, will ensure that countless parents in our community and their children continue to enjoy the resources and services offered by this program. I want to thank Executive Director Howie Martin for his advocacy and partnership in this process. I am committed to helping organizations such as Bronx House that offer essential services to our neighbors.”

Bronx House’s after school program "aims to help improve children’s academic performance, as well as promote healthy lifestyles, social skills, literacy skills, and service to the community.” This funding will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Bronx House community, especially our children.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS TO SENIOR CENTERS AHEAD OF ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AND LUNCHEON!

This week, Senator Rivera visited R.A.I.N. Boston Road Senior Center, JASA Sue Ginsburg Senior Center, Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center, and the Riverdale Y to greet seniors and invite them to his annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon.

Senator Rivera had a wonderful time sharing stories, enjoying lunch with seniors, and even participating in a fun karaoke session at the Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome!

Senator Rivera's Senior Health Fair and Luncheon will take place on Thursday, July 10 at Lehman College's Music Building. There will be entertainment, health screenings, raffle prizes, refreshments, and more!

IMPORTANT: RSVP is required. Call our office at 718-933-2034 to make your reservation. You will receive a confirmation number once you RSVP.

SENATOR RIVERA HOLDS HIS FIRST EVER BLOOD DRIVE!

Senator Rivera held his first-ever blood drive at Fordham University. The event had an amazing turnout! The Senator wants to thank all the community members who participated, and especially the Red Cross and Fordham University for their partnership in organizing such succesful event.

"Donating blood is a small action that makes a big difference. Follow the footsteps of my neighbors who donated today and help save lives by donating blood. What a great day!" said Senator Rivera.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org for more information.

This week, Senator Rivera attended and delivered remarks at the graduation ceremonies of Crotona International High School and Bronxdale High School.

"It is always inspiring to see our young Bronxites take such an important step toward their bright futures. Our seniors have worked so hard to reach this incredible milestone and have so many aspirations I know they will achieve. Congratulations to all!" said Senator Rivera.

This week, the New York Post covered efforts to pass a bill sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera (S.3815B) that would extend lifetime pension benefits to the children of NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia.

The proposed bill is backed by the NYC Council and seeks to close a legal loophole that currently provides such pensions only to surviving spouses or parents, not to children.

The State Senate passed the bill, “but the proposal was stopped in its tracks by the State Assembly, which deemed it too costly,” reported the New York Post. "Senator Rivera called it “incredibly disappointing” that the Assembly failed to pass the measure."

 

“My staff and I worked around the clock to get this bill over the finish line, including securing a Home Rule message from the City Council before the Senate adjourned,” said Senator Rivera to the NY Post. “While this is a setback, I am determined to pass it next year. Genesis has been a champion for her family and she deserves all our support.”

Officer Familia, a single mother, was killed in the line of duty in 2017 in the Bronx, and her eldest daughter has since raised her younger siblings on her own.

BEAT THE HEAT, BRONXITES!:

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

As extreme heat continues to impact New York City and the Tri-State area, please take note of the following important information:

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms:

• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Fast, strong pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness

People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Headache
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or nausea

Understand Your Risk and Make A Plan

Talk with your doctor about your risk to extreme heat. Different conditions can raise your risk.  Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe during extreme heat.

If you do not have air conditioning, plan to visit a family, friend, or neighbor’s home or find a free public place such as a coffee shop, mall, or public atrium you can spend time in during the day that as air conditioning.

Find here your nearest cooling center by visiting Cooling center locations can also be found by calling 311 (VRS: 212-639-9675 or TTY: 212-504-4115).

FIND FREE SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM LOCATION NEAR YOU

The Summer Meals program in NYC provides free breakfast and lunch to anyone 18 years old and younger, and to people with disabilities participating in special education programs, regardless of age. The program begins Friday, June 27, and ends Friday, August 29, though locations and times may vary. No registration or identification is needed to participate. 

Find more information about locations here:

https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx

NYCHA: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE