“This Could Have Been Prevented” - Patients Left in Lurch After Addiction Recovery Operator Arrested
Monday, March 13, 2023
A leader in the Rhode Island treatment and recovery community says that patients are continuing to be impacted by the fallout from the recent arrest of the operator of Recovery Connection Centers of America, Michael Brier.
Moreover, Adam Campellone with the Rhode Island Suboxone Clinic told GoLocal that “big red flags” were there, after noting that GoLocal had previously reported that when Brier had opened the treatment centers, he was already a convicted felon.
As GoLocal reported in 2016 in “Concerns Sparked by Convicted Felon’s Suboxone Clinic on Wickenden Street,” Brier, a former Rhode Island tax preparer, had previously been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison by the Department of Justice before he opened a suboxone therapy clinic in Fox Point.
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On March 2, 2022, Brier was arrested by the U.S. Attorney’s office for billing fraud and more, in a case that the FBI said was “one of the most brazen and egregious examples of health care fraud [they had] seen in Rhode Island.”
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office provided resources for patients at the arrest announcement — including urging those in need of a new or immediate bridge prescription to call (401) 606-5454 — Campellone said it has not been enough.
“[Brier] had accumulated over 1,500 patients,” said Campellone. “The governmental agencies are trying [to reach them] and it hasn’t been too effective.”
“It’s difficult to service this population. We’re getting feedback that [patients] are showing up for appointments and they’re in a panic,” said Campellone of the government seizing Brier’s two clinics in Rhode Island. “We’re doing our best to service them.”
Campellone said people in need of help can reach RI Suboxone Clinic at risuboxoneclinic.com or by calling 228-2793.
“This all probably could have been prevented,” said Campellone.
Brier's Past
As GoLocal reported in 2016:
Michael Brier, who in 2013 pleaded guilty to underreporting over a million dollars in income and violating a federal court order that had permanently barred him to preparing tax returns for others, opened Recovery Connection in Providence in June, to "provide counseling services to those with opioid and drug addiction issues," at the same location where his tax preparation services had been.
Moreover, a former partner is associated with the new business. Jeffrey Sroufe was also barred from the tax business by the Department of Justice and now, according to RI Secretary of State filings, is the incorporator in Recovery Connection and Brier is a Director and the registered agent.
"Basically, as a small business owner, finding out your tax preparer got arrested for fraud isn't exactly good news," said Chris Daltry, a Providence resident who had been a client of Brier's. "Maybe he's reformed, but based on his history, he's not exactly trustworthy."
Brier was less than pleased to hear anyone had concerns. "If they're talking about me, if they have any balls, they'll come to my door, and ask me," said Brier.
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