TAMELA PETERSON, 59, is awaiting a decision on whether she will go to trial in connection with the death of a 5-year-old boy and is now facing additional charges related to health care fraud.
Peterson has been arraigned on new charges alleging she was involved in illegal health care billing practices. Authorities say she knew about fraudulent activity involving claims submitted for services that were not actually provided.
The head of a medical facility in Troy who is already facing murder charges tied to a deadly explosion in 2025 is now charged in a separate case involving health care fraud.
Peterson, who is from Brighton, was arraigned Tuesday in Howell District Court on nine counts of health care fraud and false claims.
Peterson owns The Oxford Recovery Center, which operated locations in Brighton and Troy and provided treatment for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Peterson had knowledge of and directly benefited from fraudulent health care claim practices. Investigators allege that one of the illegal practices included billing for services that were never rendered.
The investigation began in September 2022 after the Attorney General’s Office received complaints from former providers and patients.
Peterson was granted a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Her next court appearance in the health care fraud case is scheduled for Jan. 27 for a probable cause conference, with a preliminary examination set for Feb. 3.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said filing false claims affects patients and providers and contributes to higher health care and insurance costs. She said health care fraud damages trust between patients and medical providers and that her office will continue to pursue accountability for those who misuse their positions for financial gain.
Peterson is also awaiting a decision on whether she will stand trial in connection with the death of Thomas Cooper, a 5-year-old boy who was killed when a hyperbaric chamber exploded at the Troy facility.
She and three employees at the Troy location have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the child’s death.
