Lansing, MI - Dr. Rainna Furnari Brazil, 57, of Sylvan Lake, was arraigned Monday, March 4, 2024 in the 48th District Court in Oakland County on charges stemming from an allegedly fraudulent disability insurance claim and subsequent years of receiving fraudulent payments, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Brazil, a licensed osteopathic physician, applied for and received disability insurance payments from the Unum Life Insurance Company of America. The People allege she subsequently obtained a new job and resumed working as a physician while receiving over $300,000 in disability insurance payments from 2018 through 2021, contrary to the terms of her insurance. Brazil is alleged to have lied repeatedly to the insurance company, denying that she had returned to work for compensation.
This matter was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit.
Brazil is charged with:
- Two counts of False Pretenses – $100,000 or More, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or a fine of $35,000;
- One count of False Pretenses – $50,000 or More But Less Than $100,000, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or a fine of $25,000;
- One count of False Pretenses ― $20,000 or More But Less Than $50,000, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or a fine of $15,000;
- Two counts of Taxes – Failure to File, a felony punishable by 5 years;
- One count of Insurance Fraud, a felony punishable by four years and/or a fine of $50,0000.
“Insurance fraud, on as large a scale as is alleged here or in any measure, ultimately hurts other insurance customers and honest claimants,” said Nessel. “I am thankful for the efforts of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services for their watchful eye on these matters, and for referring this case to my office for criminal prosecution.”
“Disability insurance coverage provides an important lifeline for Michiganders when they need it most, and those who engage in fraud related to these policies drive up the cost of insurance for all Michigan consumers and businesses,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “We are committed to working with the Attorney General to prosecute insurance fraud and protect Michigan consumers. Michiganders who suspect fraud can report it online or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Brazil was granted a $25,000 cash/surety bond. A probable cause conference is scheduled for March 14th at 10:00 a.m.
The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and other law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS' website.
Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.