Michigan
Michigan doctor convicted of illegally prescribing 200,000 opioid pills
A Southeast Michigan doctor has been convicted of federal charges relating to the unlawful distribution of more than 200,000 prescription opioid pills.
Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, of Southfield, was found guilty April 25 by a jury of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids, including Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, and 10 counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, according to a press release from Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck of the Eastern District of Michigan.
Valentine faced those charges for her role in prescribing medication during the time she was one of two primary doctors at the Orthopedic Medical Building in Oak Park.
The district attorney’s office said that from November 2016 to July 2018, Valentine issued more than 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 pills to individuals “who did not have a legitimate medical need for the drugs.”
The clinic operated out of a warehouse, accepted only cash, and charged patients $200 to $500 per prescription, should they receive the medication, the report said.
The cost depended on the quantity, type and dosage of the medication, which was usually Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg. The report said both of those specific medications are among the most addictive prescription opioids and also are among “the most highly diverted prescription opioids due to their high street value.”
For her efforts, Valentine was about half of the clinic’s proceeds, but only if she wrote an opioid prescription to a patient, not based on any supposed “medical care.” She received an envelope of thousands in cash each day she worked.
The other defendants charged in the case previously pleaded guilty to related charges, the report said.
“Addressing the sources of the opioid epidemic – which include addictive opioid prescription pills as well as street drugs – remains a top priority of this office,” Beck said.
The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to target and prosecute individuals who are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis.
Those assisting on this case included special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General.
In the middle of what’s been an incredible season for the Michigan men’s basketball team, Dusty May and the program are now confirmed to be bringing back a big contributor for next season. According to a report from Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, freshman guard Trey McKenney is set to be back with the Wolverines next year.
“We’re going to have a really talented team next year,” McKenney told Garcia. “I came in with a role this year and I think my role would definitely expand next year, so I’m definitely looking forward to coming back.”
McKenney joined the program this offseason as a prized five-star recruit in the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class. So far he’s lived up to the billing, coming off the bench to average 9.7 points per game, but shooting an impressive 38.5 percent from three-point range this year. He has already asserted himself as one of the team’s best shooters.
In addition to his offensive game, he’s gotten after it on the defensive end as well and has been regularly on the floor to close games this season. We’ve seen McKenney’s role slowly grow, especially in the absence of fellow guard L.J. Cason, who has missed the last month and is set to miss all of next season with an ACL tear.
By cementing his status with the program, McKenney is a great foundation for what the team hopes to build next season. He’ll likely step into a starting role as the Michigan’s shooting guard, while May and company also look to get players like Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara back in the fold.
Michigan will get a shot to fill out the rest of its roster when the transfer portal opens up on April 7, just one day after the National Championship.
For now though, McKenney and the Wolverines will focus on punching their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2018 by defeating Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.
When the Sweet 16 continues on Saturday during the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament, Michigan women’s basketball (27-6) will continue its climb to reach the Final Four for the first time.
The Wolverines, who earned the No. 2 seed in the Fort Worth 3 Region, are playing in the program’s third Sweet 16 under head coach Kim Barnes Arico.
“We committed to Michigan to do this, and we committed to Coach Arico to do it for her and for each other,” Michigan guard Olivia Olson said. “We’re accomplishing the goals we set out to, and we’re not done yet. So we’re going to keep having fun with it and keep preparing.”
Michigan will take on No. 3 Louisville Cardinals (29-7) at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This is my first time going to the Sweet 16, all of our first times, so I think the feeling of, we’re still dancing, we’re still playing basketball, it’s a great feeling,” Louisville guard Taj Roberts said.
The winner from Saturday’s matchup will play in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 30, for the right to advance to the Final Four.
What time is Michigan vs. Louisville?
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dickies Arena (Fort Worth, Texas)
The Michigan Wolverines will play the Louisville Cardinals in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Michigan vs. Louisville: TV, streaming
The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the big man’s draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Kalbrosky’s Analysis:
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here
Morez Johnson Jr. player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
- Position: Forward-Center
- Current Team: Michigan
- 13.1 points per game
- 7.2 rebounds per game
- 1.1 assists per game
- 62.8% field goal percentage
- 37.9% three-point field goal percentage
Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks
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