Today, Remigius U. Onimo, a 64-year-old former pharmacist from Solon, Ohio, appeared in front of Judge Molly E. Hennessey Greenwalt of the 54B District Court in East Lansing. This development in the case was announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Onimo faces charges related to unauthorized practice in the health profession, a felony with potential penalties of up to four years in prison and/or a maximum $5,000 fine. He is also charged with two counts of Medicaid fraud involving false claims, each carrying possible penalties of up to four years of incarceration and/or a $50,000 fine.
Onimo was the proprietor of Divine Pharmacy on Livernois Avenue, Detroit, and previously held a pharmacist license in Michigan. However, his license was suspended in January 2020 and remained so through 2021. Despite this, accusations indicate that Onimo continued to dispense prescriptions during this suspension period, including fulfilling prescriptions billed to 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 has received a $20,000 personal recognizance bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 in the 54B District Court.
The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) is prosecuting the case. The HCFD is Michigan's federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, receiving 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant of $5,703,460 for fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25%, amounting to $1,901,152, comes from the State of Michigan.
It is important to remember that a criminal charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not release booking photos.