Brooklyn Clinic Owner Convicted in Medicare Fraud and Drug Scheme

What Happened at American Medical Centers in Brooklyn

A federal jury convicted Tony Brown-Arkah, 78, of Brooklyn, New York, on May 20, 2026, for running a criminal scheme out of his medical clinic, American Medical Centers (AMC). The jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 12 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (illegal drugs), three counts of distributing controlled substances, and multiple counts related to paying and receiving illegal health care kickbacks (illegal cash payments to bring in patients).

Brown-Arkah's clinic claimed to offer substance abuse treatment. Instead, investigators found that AMC lured patients by illegally prescribing Suboxone — a Schedule III narcotic used to treat opioid addiction — without proper medical evaluation. Many prescriptions were signed by a nurse practitioner who lived in Florida and never saw or spoke with the patients. Brown-Arkah himself was not a licensed medical provider, yet he billed Medicare and Medicaid for office visits where he was the only staff member who met with patients. Investigators also found that patients were often prescribed Suboxone even when lab results showed they were not taking the medication — a major warning sign that the drugs were being sold illegally.

The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), also uncovered a drug ring operating inside and on the steps of the clinic. Drug dealers offered to buy patients' Suboxone prescriptions for cash. One witness said an AMC staff member directed him to a van outside the clinic where he could sell his prescription. An undercover recording caught Brown-Arkah paying a confidential source an illegal cash kickback — while Brown-Arkah himself commented on camera that people who do such things "go to jail." The DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, HHS Office of Inspector General, NYPD, and New York City Human Resources Administration all assisted in the investigation. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Why This Case Matters for Immigrants

This case was prosecuted under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, established by Executive Order 14159. The HSTF focuses on criminal organizations operating in the US — and it uses all available tools, including removal proceedings (the legal process to deport someone from the US), against individuals it calls "criminal aliens." If you or someone you know is involved — even as a patient — in a clinic under federal investigation, your immigration status could be affected. Being connected to health care fraud or drug distribution, even as a victim, can complicate a green card application, work permit (EAD) renewal, or naturalization process.

What to Do

• If you were a patient at a clinic under federal investigation: Do not ignore any letters or notices from federal agencies. Contact an immigration lawyer right away to understand how this may affect your immigration status.
• If you received Suboxone or other prescriptions from a clinic you now believe was fraudulent: Lawyers recommend documenting everything — keep any paperwork, receipts, or communications. You may be a victim, not a criminal, but you need legal help to make that clear.
• If you are in removal proceedings (the court process where the government tries to deport you) and have any connection to this type of case: You have the right to an attorney. You have 30 days to appeal an order of removal. Do not miss this deadline.
• If ICE contacts you or comes to your home: You have the right to remain silent. Do not sign any documents without speaking to an immigration lawyer first.