FRANKFORT, KY (March 23, 2005) – Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today the arrest this morning of Dr. Robert Michael Clear, a dentist who practiced in the Middletown area near Louisville. On Monday, March 21, 2005, the Jefferson County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Dr. Clear.

According to KBI Agent Janet Bonham, Dr. Clear obtained payments of the value of $300 or more from Doral Dental and Passport by presenting fraudulent claims for oral surgery and/or dental services for numerous Medicaid recipients, knowing that he had not performed the services he alleged.

“Recovering Medicaid dollars is a priority of my office,” said Attorney General Stumbo. “Fraudulently billing our Medicaid system is a serious crime. This program provides lifesaving medical services to desperately ill citizens. Theft of Medicaid dollars puts lives in jeopardy.”

If convicted, Dr. Clear could serve up to twenty years in prison. The case is being handled by Nyra Shields, Assistant Attorney General and KBI Agent Janet Bonham, assigned to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit. Suspected fraud can be reported to this unit by calling the Attorney General’s tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384).