About
Ronald W. Chapman II
Ron has secured 150 Federal Counts of Acquittal for his clients. He’s saved $550 Million Saved for Clients in fines and forfeitures. Ron has also secured victory at all levels of Federal Courts including the Supreme Court.
Trial Lawyer | Author | Legal News Analyst
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From the War on Terror to the War on Opioids
Ronald W. Chapman II is a nationally renowned federal criminal defense attorney with an unparalleled record of success in high-stakes litigation. A former Marine Corps Officer and Judge Advocate, Ron built his foundation in federal investigations during the Global War on Terror, conducting complex probes into weapons trafficking, narcotics operations, and counterterrorism threats. Transitioning from military service to private practice, he applied his expertise to defending healthcare providers and executives facing federal prosecution, False Claims Act allegations, and regulatory enforcement actions.
Over the past decade, Ron has built a reputation as one of the most formidable trial attorneys in the country. His record-setting acquittals, dismissals, and non-prosecutions have earned national recognition, with federal judges acknowledging his courtroom skills as among the best they have seen in “20 years on the bench.” His meticulous approach, combined with a relentless commitment to his clients, has led to precedent-setting victories that have reshaped federal healthcare fraud and white-collar criminal defense.
Unmatched Trial Results and Record Acquittals
Ron’s success in federal courts is unmatched. He has secured full acquittals in cases involving over $550 million in alleged healthcare fraud, defeated high-profile federal drug trafficking charges, and successfully challenged DOJ-led opioid task force prosecutions. His courtroom victories have led to the dismissal of cases that would have otherwise resulted in life-altering convictions for physicians and healthcare professionals.
Landmark Victories
United States v. Bothra (Michigan, 2022): Acquittal in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in U.S. history—a $550 million fraud and drug trafficking indictment against five physicians accused of unlawfully distributing 13 million doses of Oxycodone.
United States v. Pompy (Michigan, 2022): Acquittal of an interventional pain physician accused of a $6 million healthcare fraud and drug trafficking scheme.
United States v. Sachy (Georgia, 2023): Mid-trial judicial dismissal of charges alleging unlawful prescribing resulting in patient deaths—a rare outcome that underscores Ron’s ability to dismantle the prosecution’s case.
United States v. Kousa (Kentucky, 2023): Full acquittal of a physician accused of drug trafficking and healthcare fraud—defeating charges brought by the Department of Justice’s Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Task Force (ARPO).
United States v. Hansen (Kentucky, 2024): Ten-count acquittal of drug trafficking and healthcare fraud charges, marking another victory against DOJ-led opioid prosecutions.
Naum v. United States (U.S. Supreme Court): Represented a West Virginia physician before the Supreme Court, securing a vacated conviction and reshaping the interpretation of prescribing laws in federal cases.
Ron’s ability to win cases at trial is virtually unparalleled. In a system where only 0.6% of federal defendants are acquitted, Ron has secured five full trial acquittals in just the past two years, setting a new standard in federal criminal defense.
Nationwide Influence in Federal Criminal Defense
Ron’s expertise is sought after nationwide. He has successfully defended clients in multiple U.S. District Courts and has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 5th, 6th, 9th, and 11th Circuits. His ability to navigate complex litigation across multiple jurisdictions has made him the go-to defense attorney for physicians, executives, and business leaders facing federal prosecution.
Trusted Legal Analyst & National Media Presence
Beyond the courtroom, Ron is a recognized legal expert frequently called upon to provide analysis on major federal criminal and constitutional law issues. He has appeared as a legal analyst for BBC, Fox News, NewsNation, NPR, and Scripps, offering insights on government investigations, federal enforcement trends, and high-profile trials. His commentary is valued for its depth, objectivity, and ability to break down complex legal issues for a broad audience.
Key Federal Court Admissions and Experience
United States Supreme Court – Successfully argued cases resulting in vacated convictions.
Federal Appellate Courts – Extensive experience handling cases before the 5th, 6th, 9th, and 11th Circuits.
United States District Courts – Defended high-profile clients in courts nationwide, securing record-breaking acquittals and pre-trial dismissals.
Through a strategic, data-driven approach to litigation, Ron ensures that clients facing federal prosecution have the highest level of defense possible. His ability to challenge government investigations, expose prosecutorial weaknesses, and present compelling arguments to juries has led to unprecedented success in high-risk trials.
A Proven Leader in Federal Defense Strategy
Ron’s career is defined by his ability to outmaneuver the federal government in the courtroom. His unwavering commitment to justice, combined with a relentless work ethic and sharp legal instincts, has resulted in historic trial victories that have reshaped federal healthcare fraud and opioid-related litigation.
For executives, physicians, and professionals facing federal prosecution, Ron’s presence in the courtroom represents the highest level of defense strategy available—one built on precision, credibility, and an unmatched track record of success.
Results
Ronald W. Chapman II has established himself as a formidable force in federal criminal defense, particularly in cases involving healthcare fraud and drug trafficking. His record-breaking court victories not only underscore his legal acumen but also highlight his unwavering commitment to justice. A closer examination of his most notable cases reveals the depth of his expertise and the impact of his work on the legal landscape.
United States v. Bothra et al.
In what the Detroit Free Press described as “one of the biggest losses for the United States Attorney’s Office in the last 10 years,” Chapman secured a full acquittal for Dr. Rajendra Bothra and his colleagues, who were accused of orchestrating a nearly $500 million healthcare fraud scheme. After years of litigation and a trial lasting over a month, the defendants were acquitted on all counts.
United States v. Pompy
Chapman defended Dr. Lesly Pompy, an interventional anesthesiologist from Detroit, who faced a 38-count indictment alleging drug trafficking and healthcare fraud. After a rigorous trial, Chapman secured a full acquittal for Dr. Pompy, highlighting his ability to navigate complex medical and legal issues effectively.
People v. Oesterling
In a state-level case, Chapman defended Dr. Joseph Oesterling, a Mayo Clinic-trained physician charged with drug trafficking. Through meticulous preparation and a compelling defense strategy, Chapman achieved a full acquittal, clearing Dr. Oesterling of all charges.
Naum v. United States
At the appellate level, Chapman represented a West Virginia Suboxone physician before the United States Supreme Court, resulting in a vacated conviction. This outcome not only vindicated his client but also set a significant legal precedent.
United States v. Kousa
Chapman achieved a complete acquittal for Dr. Loey Kousa, who faced charges of healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. This victory was particularly significant as it involved defeating the Department of Justice’s Healthcare Fraud Strike Force, showcasing Chapman’s exceptional legal prowess.
United States v. Aggarwal
In this case, Chapman represented Dr. Sanjay Aggarwal, a West Virginia physician accused of unlawfully prescribing Suboxone and committing healthcare fraud. Chapman’s defense led to a full acquittal, allowing Dr. Aggarwal to continue his medical practice without the burden of federal charges.
United States v. Reyes
In a pre-trial victory, Chapman secured the dismissal of over $5 million in healthcare fraud allegations against an emergency physician in Puerto Rico. Federal prosecutors had accused the physician of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid through double billing practices, but Chapman’s intervention prevented the case from proceeding to trial.
United States v. Hansen
In another remarkable case, Chapman secured a full acquittal for Dr. Kendall Hansen, who was accused of healthcare fraud and drug trafficking. This triumph against the DOJ Strike Force further underscores Chapman’s formidable legal expertise and his dedication to defending his clients’ rights and reputations.
United States v. Sachy
Dr. Thomas Sachy faced federal charges, including allegations that his prescribing practices led to patient deaths, which carried a potential 20-year mandatory minimum sentence. Chapman successfully secured the dismissal of these severe charges, resulting in Dr. Sachy’s release and the preservation of his freedom.
United States v. McCutchen
Chapman represented a Detroit physician charged in a wide-ranging Oxycodone drug conspiracy. His defense efforts led to the dismissal of federal drug conspiracy charges, demonstrating his skill in dismantling complex prosecution cases.
United States v. Chalifoux
Chapman achieved a pre-trial dismissal of 32 counts of healthcare fraud and drug trafficking against a Northern West Virginia pain management and Suboxone doctor. This result spared his client from the ordeal of a lengthy trial and potential conviction.
These cases exemplify Ronald W. Chapman II’s exceptional legal acumen and his dedication to defending healthcare professionals against complex and often daunting federal charges. His record-breaking court victories not only highlight his individual achievements but also contribute to the broader discourse on healthcare law and criminal defense.