Former Detroit Pharmacist Charged with Fraud

LANSING – Today, Remigius U. Onimo, 64, of Solon, Ohio, was arraigned before the Honorable Molly E. Hennessey Greenwalt in the 54B District Court in East Lansing, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Onimo is charged with one count of Health Profession-Unauthorized Practice, a felony punishable by up to four years’ incarceration and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, and two counts of Medicaid Fraud-False Claim, each punishable by up to four years’ incarceration and/or $50,000 fine. 

Onimo was the owner of Divine Pharmacy, located on Livernois Avenue in Detroit, and held a pharmacist license in the state of Michigan. However, in January 2020, his license was suspended and remained suspended throughout 2021. Despite the suspension, it is alleged that Onimo continued to fill prescriptions during that time, including prescriptions billed to and paid by Medicaid.  

“The overwhelming majority of medical professionals follow licensing rules and requirements to ensure patient safety,” said Nessel. “When individuals choose to disregard those standards, my Department will hold them accountable.” 

Onimo was given a $20,000 personal recognizance bond. He will next appear in the 54B District Court on May 5. 

The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) is handling this case for the Department. The HCFD is the federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for Michigan, and it receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $5,703,460.00 for the fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25% percent, totaling $1,901,152.00, is funded by the State of Michigan.