Disgraced Oncologist's Fraud Trial Won't Be Moved from Southeast Michigan

Dr. Farid Fata, the Oakland County oncologist accused of bilking Medicare out of millions of dollars with fake cancer diagnoses and unnecessary treatments, will be tried in Detroit.

A federal judge denied a request by Fata’s lawyer for a change of venue, the Detroit Free Press reports. Christopher Andreoff said unfavorable publicity in the Detroit area would taint the jury pool.

Fata has been vilified and referred to by members of the public as a "monster" whose alleged crimes deserve the death penalty, his lawyers argued.

Fata also wants taxpayers to foot his legal bills. Andreoff, who has been serving as the oncologist’s attorney, asked U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to appoint him because Fata is reportedly out of money. Arguments on that request will be heard in nine days.

The government has seized more than $10 million in assets from Fata, who once lived a lavish lifestyle.

Fata’s trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 12.

Read more:

• Medicare Data Show Disgraced Michigan Oncologist One of Nation’s Highest-Paid Physicians
• More Trouble for Cancer Doc Accused of Bilking Medicare for $225 Million
• Families of Dr. Fata's Patients Can Receive Records From Crittenton for Free
• Farid Fata at a Glance: 5 Things to Know About Doctor’s Medicare Fraud Case
• Feds Raid Home, Rochester Hills Office of Cancer Doctor
• Dr. Fata Patients’ Families Protest Records Fees at Crittenton
• Patients, Family Members Seek Justice in Medical Fraud Case