Farid Fata, convicted medical oncologist, asks for early release citing health problems

Farid Fata, the convicted cancer doctor, is once again seeking compassionate release from prison, citing a rare blood disorder that could prove fatal if he remains incarcerated. He claims to have undergone a transformation during his time in prison, expressing "genuine remorse" for the suffering he caused his patients. Fata's legal filings emphasize that he has shown remorse to all those affected by his crimes and states that his past no longer defines him.

Fata's Fraudulent Practices

Fata has been serving an 11-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to a large-scale health care fraud scheme. This fraudulent scheme involved injecting healthy patients with chemotherapy and overmedicating other patients, all while generating over $17 million through bogus billings. The government argues that his malicious actions harmed more than 500 patients. In 2014, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his crimes.

Despite his previous attempts, Fata's requests for compassionate release have been denied by a federal judge, a prison warden, and an appeals court. However, he remains persistent in his appeal for release, asserting that he poses no threat to society and that failure to grant his request could result in his death. Fata's latest legal filing argues that he has significantly changed during his time in prison, citing his efforts in helping other inmates acquire their GEDs and providing support to soon-to-be-released inmates in rebuilding their lives outside of prison.

Health Deterioration

Fata's health has taken a turn for the worse over the years. According to court documents, he was in good health until December 2020 when he contracted COVID-19, subsequently developing multiple infections affecting his skin, prostate, bladder, eyes, and gums. A hematology expert determined that he requires Neupogen, a medication commonly prescribed to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to help reduce infections caused by low white blood cell counts. However, according to Fata, the prison system has refused to provide him with the required medication, and he has encountered dismissive responses from the prison medical staff.

Medical Consultant's Support

Dr. Charles Howard, a prison medical consultant and former medical director of the Miami Federal Detention Center, concurs with Fata's claims. In a June letter filed with the court, Howard maintains that Fata is suffering from chronic and life-threatening infections due to a lack of proper medication and has experienced an indefensible delay in receiving necessary medical care. Howard's letter urges the court to release Fata and grant him time-served or, at the very least, sentence him to home confinement to obtain the medical attention he requires.

Government's Stance

The U.S. Attorney's Office has until a specified date to respond to Fata's request for compassionate release and intends to object to his early release. The Department of Justice is also soliciting input from victims and families, requesting written letters to be submitted before a specified deadline. These letters are to be sent via email to the Victim Witness Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney's Office.