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Sex offender running women's clinic arrested on fraud charges

JACKSONVILLE - A former gynecologist who went to prison for giving teenage girls drugs in exchange for oral sex now faces federal fraud charges in connection with running a clinic that performs gynecological exams and other treatments.

The links between Robert C. Brown and RCB Inc. Medical Clinic were disclosed Monday when Brown and his office manager were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges they conspired to commit health care fraud.

They are also charged with conspiring to make false statements and conspiring to commit mail fraud. Brown is also charged with money laundering.

Brown has not been accused of examining patients. Officials said the RCB Inc. Medical Clinic is at a location different from its corporate offices, where Brown worked as owner and acting administrator.

It was unclear whether he could legally do so.

"We are investigating this case," said Jonathan Burns, a spokesman for the state Agency for Health Care Administration.

Brown is registered as a sex offender with the state because he pleaded no contest to two charges of having unlawful sex with teenage girls in 1996 and 1997. He served 42 months in prison and remains on probation. He also surrendered his medical license.

Brown has been ordered to remain on home detention with an electronic ankle bracelet. He is to be arraigned May 18.

The indictment alleges that Brown billed insurance companies for about $2-million in false claims from 2002 to 2004. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to life in prison.

The government also seeks forfeiture of Brown's Jacksonville home, four cars, a yacht and five bank accounts totaling $777,140. If convicted, he could also be liable for the losses insurance companies incurred.

Brown had a checkered career as a doctor. The state Health Department recorded 22 complaints and 45 malpractice cases filed against him.

[Last modified May 13, 2005, 00:56:15]