This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Feds arrest former Ventura surgeon, claim unnecessary surgeries, fraud
File photo: A spinal surgery operation in Southern California.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
Federal authorities have arrested a former Ventura surgeon on charges that he allegedly defrauded Medicare for millions of dollars by performing unnecessary spinal surgeries, The Detroit News reported Monday.
Dr. Aria Sabit was arrested Monday and could face 10 years or more in prison if convicted, the newspaper reported, adding that he will be held without bond until a Dec. 1 hearing.
The Detroit News also reported:
He is accused of using various businesses and medical practices to perpetuate the alleged fraud, including Michigan Brain & Spine Physicians Group. The firm allegedly billed health care programs for services that were not provided or overcharged for the services, according to the criminal complaint.
Sabit is accused of performing lumbar spinal fusions on numerous patients and failing to use the medical device. When patients followed up with other doctors, X-rays found no devices had been implanted during surgery, according to FBI Special Agent Peter Hayes.
KPCC reported in June that Sabit was one of the targets of a federal Department of Justice investigation into possible kickbacks related to a spinal surgery scheme. In September, the Justice Department sued Sabit and three investors in a spinal implant distribution company, accusing them of a scheme that involved unnecessary or overly extensive spinal surgeries that were fraudulently billed to Medicare.
Sabit relocated to the Detroit area in 2011. In August of this year, the California Medical Board stripped him of his license to practice in the state, accusing him of performing unnecessary spinal surgeries and other misdeeds.
The government wants Sabit held in jail pending trial, The Detroit News reported. Citing the federal criminal complaint, the paper said Sabit had tried to fly to from Atlanta to Dubai in September, and while customs agents in Atlanta questioned him, they found a ruby and a 3.6-carat emerald in his luggage.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
