Upload
robert-davidson-md-phd
View
104
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
This searchable PDF file corresponds to filed Document 19 Amended Complaint in US District Southern District of Texas Case # 4:07-cv-00471 (without the cover sheet, file stamp, signatures, attached affidavit, and exhibits). Action is brought under the RICO Act, Declaratory Judgment Act, and Civil Rights Act of 1871. As applied to the Plaintiffs, the PDUFA violates Fifth Amendment right to Equal Protection and 9th Amendment fundamental right to Equal Treatment before the law. Invidiously discriminatory animus is alleged. COUNTS ONE, TWO, AND THREE are substantive RICO anchor counts. COUNT FOUR represents pendant state law claims. COUNT FIVE is a motion to hold the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, as applied to the Plaintiffs, to be violative of the Equal Protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. COUNT SIX is a motion to hold Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 5.1 to be facially unconstitutional and, as applied to the Davidsons, to be violative of the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. COUNT SEVEN is a supplemental claim for violation of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and Section 1985 in the Arizona State Action.There is a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right to retain hired counsel in civil matters under the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Subject to certain limitations, right to counsel expressly guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment in criminal cases, is no less fundamental in civil cases and springs from both statutory authority and from the constitutional right to due process of law. The coerced dismissal of Davidsons' retained counsel by fiat of the trial court vitiates the judgment because it violates the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Intentional discrimination in the dismissal of Davidsons' retained counsel is a grave constitutional trespass, possible only under color of state authority, and wholly within the power of the state to prevent. Davidsons were deprived of the presently enjoyed benefit of retained counsel in an ongoing civil proceeding without procedural due process. There is a constitutionally protected property and liberty interest in retained legal counsel in civil lawsuits. Davidsons suffered an intentional deprivation of property and liberty without Due Process in the Arizona State Action."Davidsons have been prevented and impaired from asserting their federal rights in an extraordinary way. Davidsons sought vindication in both federal (Arizona, New York, and Texas) and state courts (Arizona)." Reply Brief, Davidson v. Grossman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Case No. 07-20650. Oshiver v. Levin, Fishbein, Sedran & Berman, 38 F.3d 1380, 1387 (3rd Cir. 1994). 543 US 1081 Davidson v. Vivra Inc, Petition for Writ of Certiorari Before Judgment # 04-537, filed September 17, 2004, cert. denied, January 10, 2005. 555 US ___, Davidson v. Grossman, Petition for Writ of Certiorari # 07-1525, filed June 4, 2008, cert. denied, October 6, 2008. See also Supplemental Brief in Docket #07-1525 for citation to Bridge v. Phoenix Bond & Indemnity Co., 553 U.S. ___ (2008) and Liquidation Commission v. Luis Alvarez Renta (11th Cir. 2008).
Citation preview
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
AMENDED COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Plaintiffs, Robert Michael Davidson and Vanessa Elaine Komar, husband and
wife, representing themselves, pro se, state and allege as follows:
I. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. This Court has jurisdiction of the claim herein pursuant to 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1964 (c), 28 U.S.C.A.
Section 1331, 28 U.S.C.A. Section 1367, and 28 U.S.C.A. Section 1332. This civil action arises under the laws
of the United States. Plaintiffs’ rights have been violated under Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act of
1970, as amended, 18 U.S.C.A. Subsection 1961 et seq. The amount in controversy requirement is exceeded,
by Plaintiffs (Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar, husband and wife) jointly having sustained actual
damages (injury) to their business and property that exceeds, exclusive of interest and costs, the sum of
$5,000,000.00.
2. Venue herein is proper under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(a), 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(b), 18 U.S.C.A.
Section 1965(d), 28 U.S.C.A. Section 1391 (b), 28 U.S.C.A. Section 1391 (c), and the Texas Long-arm statute.
Venue herein is proper under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(a) for at least one defendant. Venue is proper in this
Court for all “other” RICO defendants under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(b), because the “ends of justice”
require it. The “ends of justice” apply because there is no other forum which is proper as to all Defendants
under 18 U.S.C. Section 1965(a). In this case, 18 U.S.C. Section 1965(b) is applicable because venue is not
improper as to all the Defendants under 18 U.S.C. Section 1965(a). Defendant Gambro Healthcare Inc is
regularly conducting business of substantial and continuous character within the district under the names DVA
Renal Healthcare Inc. and DVA Healthcare Renal Inc. Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc (a corporation
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Tennessee) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Davita Inc.
Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial and continuous character
within the district. Davita Inc is a corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware.
Defendant Davita Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial and continuous character within the
district. Nationwide service under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(b) may be imposed on Defendant Jay Grossman,
Defendant Eudice Grossman, Defendant Gayle F. Petrillo, Defendant Charles W. Ott, Defendant Joanne C.
Wray, Defendant Kent W. Thiry, Defendant Joseph C. Mello, Defendant Anthony P. Tartaglia, Defendant
Michael J. Meehan, Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin, Defendant Albany Medical College, Defendant Vivra
Holdings Inc, and Defendant Sepracor Inc, because this Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant
Gambro Healthcare Inc, Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Defendant Davita Inc, and Defendant Sepracor
Inc, under 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1965(a), and the “ends of justice” require nationwide service of process over
nonresident defendants. The ends of justice require nationwide service in this lawsuit because there is a
nationwide (literally coast to coast) conspiracy to “conceal on-going, parallel schemes of serial related clinical
research frauds and insurance frauds” that can only be challenged in one suit in which all defendants are
present. By the very nature of their business (contract clinical research and specialty medical practice),
Defendants have willfully injected themselves, their business, and their conduct, into the stream of interstate
commerce. Defendants have “nationwide contacts” and Defendants have conspired to defraud the United
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
States. Fifth Amendment due process is not violated by nationwide service of process over these nonresident
Defendants. Plaintiffs have stated a claim under civil RICO and the ends of justice require nationwide service.
Plaintiffs have established in their pleadings, affidavit, and exhibits to this Amended Complaint, that a
substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to their claims occurred in the forum State of Texas.
Plaintiffs have established in their pleadings, affidavit, and exhibits to this Amended Complaint, that Gambro
Healthcare Inc, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Davita Inc, and Sepracor Inc, are regularly conducting business
of substantial and continuous character within the District.
II. PARTIES
3. Plaintiffs, Robert Michael Davidson and Vanessa Elaine Komar, husband and wife, are citizens of the
United States, and residents of the State of Texas.
4. Defendant Jay Grossman, is a citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of Arizona.
Defendant Eudice Grossman, is a citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of Arizona.
Defendant Gayle F. Petrillo (“Petrillo”), is a citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of
Arizona. Defendant Charles W. Ott (“Ott”), is a citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of
California. Defendant Joanne C. Wray (formerly known as Joanne C. Siegel), is a citizen of the United States,
and is a resident of the State of California. Defendant Anthony P. Tartaglia (“Tartaglia”), is a citizen of the
United States, and is a resident of the State of New York. Defendant Kent J. Thiry (“Thiry”), is a citizen of the
United States, and is a resident of the State of California. Defendant Joseph C. Mello (“Mello”), is a citizen of
the United States, and is a resident of the State of California. Defendant Michael J. Meehan (“Meehan”), is a
citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of Arizona. Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin, (“Heurlin”)
is a citizen of the United States, and is a resident of the State of Arizona. Defendant Vivra Holdings Inc, is a
corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware with its office and principal place
of business located at 1350 Old Bayshore Hwy, Ste 777, Burlingame, CA 94010. Defendant Gambro
Healthcare Inc (“Gambro”), is a corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Tennessee
with its office and principal place of business located at 1919 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203.
Defendant Gambro Healthcare Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial and continuous character
within the district under the name DVA Renal Healthcare Inc. and DVA Healthcare Renal Inc. Defendant
DVA Renal Healthcare Inc (“DVA Renal”), is a corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the
State of Tennessee with its office and principal place of business located at 10810 W. Collins Avenue,
Lakewood, CO 80215. Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial
and continuous character within the district and maintains a registered agent authorized to accept service at
701 Brazos Street, Suite 1050, Austin, TX. 78701. Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Davita Inc. Defendant Davita Inc (“Davita”) is a corporation existing under and by virtue of the
laws of the State of Delaware with its office and principal place of business located at 601 Hawaii Street, El
Segundo, CA 90245. Defendant Davita Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial and continuous
character within the district. Defendant Albany Medical College (“AMC”), is a corporation existing under and
by virtue of the laws of the State of New York with its office and principal place of business located in 43 New
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Defendant Sepracor Inc (“Sepracor”) is a corporation existing under and by
virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place of business located in 84 Waterford Drive,
Marlborough, MA 01752. Defendant Sepracor Inc is regularly conducting business of substantial and
continuous character within the district and maintains a registered agent authorized to accept service at 350
North St. Paul Street, Dallas, TX 75201.
III. CLAIM FOR RELIEF
5. The “VIVRA” association-in-fact enterprise is set forth in the following subparagraphs:
5.1 “Vivra” is an enterprise that is engaged in and the activities of which affected interstate commerce.
“Vivra” is an association-in-fact enterprise whose common purpose is to employ both legitimate and
illegitimate business practices: (a) to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, (and other 3rd party insurance
payers) in multiple states including Arizona, California, New York, and Texas, (b) to defraud the
Food and Drug Administration in multiple states, (c) to defraud clinical research subjects in multiple
states, (d) to defraud specialty practice patients in multiple states, (e) to defraud clinical research
subinvestigators in multiple states (including Plaintiff Robert M. Davidson, M.D., in Arizona and
Texas), (f) to defraud clinical research coordinators in multiple states, and (g) to defraud the United
States.
5.2 These illegitimate business practices included an enterprise-wide pattern of (a) fraudulent omissions
and misrepresentations in the hiring and retention of key “Vivra” employees (including Plaintiff
Robert M. Davidson, M.D.), (b) fraudulent omissions and misrepresentations to prospective and
current clinical research subjects, (c) fraudulent omissions and misrepresentations to specialty
practice patients, (d) fraudulent omissions and misrepresentations to federal regulators [acting in their
“official” capacities], (e) fraudulent omissions and misrepresentations to 3rd party insurance payors
[both commercial and federal], (f) obstructions of justice, (g) Hobbs Act (extortion under RICO
statute) violations, (h) Travel Act violations, (i) intentional endangerments, and (j) deaths.
5.3 These illegitimate business practices deprived certain “Vivra” employees (including Plaintiff Robert
M. Davidson, M.D.) of their right to the good and honest services of Defendants, and deprived
certain “Vivra” employees (including Robert M. Davidson, M.D.) of their right freely to conduct
one’s lawful business. These illegitimate business practices deprived certain “Vivra” employees
(including Robert M. Davidson, M.D.) of property (inappropriate study subject enrollments), with
their consent, induced by Defendant Jay Grossman’s wrongful use of actual or threatened force,
violence, or fear, or under color of official right. These illegitimate business practices were a regular
part of the “Vivra” enterprise’s regular way of doing business. While the “Vivra” association-in-fact
enterprise had the appearance of legitimacy (and indeed may have had some legitimate functions and
some legitimate business practices), illegitimate business practices were a regular part of the “Vivra”
enterprise’s regular way of doing business.
5.4 Defendant Vivra Holdings Inc, Defendant Gambro Healthcare Inc, and Defendant DVA Renal
Healthcare Inc have serially abused the corporate form, by means of signing and filing, or causing to
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
be signed and filed, fraudulent Annual Reports, Certificates of Disclosure, and Corporate Integrity
Agreements, that made willful use of the U.S. mail and wire facilities to perpetrate, perpetuate, and
conceal fraud, between 1998 and the present.
5.5 Plaintiffs have firmly established a nexus between misconduct of Albany Medical College, Sepracor
Inc, and the forum state of Texas. On March 23, 2000, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Sepracor
Inc regarding a Sepracor sales representative who made oral statements promoting Xopenex 0.63 mg
(levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution for an unapproved dosage regimen (“every four hours,
similarly to albuterol”), thereby misrepresenting the dose response of the product to health care
professionals in Dallas, TX. See the affidavit and exhibits to this Amended Complaint. See ¶ 8.98-
8.104, and ¶ 19 to this Amended Complaint. In 2004, Sepracor Inc entered into four leases for office
space that serve as regional sales offices. These offices include a regional sales office in Flower
Mound, TX. As recent as April 7, 2007, Sepracor Inc advertised to fill the position of Sr. Regional
Admin Assistant/Flower Mound, TX. As recent as March 30, 2007, Sepracor Inc advertised to fill the
position of Respiratory Sales Specialist/Houston, TX. By information and belief, Sepracor Inc
maintains a U.S.-based, 1,250-person primary care and specialty-oriented sales force to further its
commercialization efforts. As recent as January 23, 2007, Xopenex (levalbuterol) Inhalation Solution
was listed on the Health and Human Services Commission Texas Medicaid Preferred Drug List
(PDL) and Prior Authorization (PA) Criteria. The Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of
Texas certified that on March 21, 2007, Sepracor Inc (Taxpayer # 12225365878) was in good
standing. Sepracor Inc is authorized to do business in Texas with the Secretary of State of Texas.
5.6 Plaintiffs have firmly established a nexus between misconduct of Gambro Healthcare Inc and the
forum state of Texas. See the “Settlement Agreement and Release” in the case known to the Texas
Attorney General’s Office as “Gambro Healthcare Inc” MF 052976-01-7, GBL 1204 040. Pages 3 to
7 of 20 of the “Settlement Agreement and Release” detail the allegations of the State of Texas with
respect to conduct of Gambro Healthcare Inc in the forum state of Texas. See the federal docket for
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri Case # 4:01-CV-00553-DDN captioned “Bander v.
Gambro Healthcare U.S., Inc”. See the Order (Document 47) filed 12/02/2004, of David D. Noce,
U.S. Magistrate Judge, the U.S. District Court Case # 4:01CV00553DDN, captioned “Bander v.
Gambro Healthcare U.S., Inc”. Gambro and Davita provide for-profit out-patient in-facility
hemodialysis for Medicare recipients in the forum State of Texas. Gambro and Davita paid 2006
property taxes on business personal property and real property within Harris County, TX. Gambro
has been a contracted provider for hemodialysis services to Texas residents since at least as early as
2000. Gambro and Davita have been certified by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
as hemodialysis facilities. Gambro and Davita currently own for-profit in center hemodialysis
facilities in Arlington, TX, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, and Katy, TX. As of December 31, 2006,
Davita owns 111 out-patient dialysis centers in the State of Texas. As of December 31, 2006, 58%
of Davita revenues were from Medicare and Medicare assigned HMO plans, 4% from Medicaid, and
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
3% from other government-based programs. The Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of
Texas certified that on March 21, 2007, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc (Taxpayer # 16213230903) and
DVA Healthcare Renal Inc (Taxpayer # 19529779167) were in good standing. DVA Renal
Healthcare Inc and DVA Healthcare Renal Inc are authorized to do business in Texas with the
Secretary of State of Texas. As recent as April 6, 2007, Davita Inc advertised in the Texas Job Bank
for 56 jobs in Texas, including 9 jobs in Houston, TX.
5.7 Each Defendant listed in paragraph 4 was an owner of, was employed by, or was associated with an
enterprise [that is “Vivra”, an association-in-fact enterprise] engaged in, or the activities of which
affected interstate commerce, within the meaning of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962 (b), (c), and (d).
5.8 At the time that they acted illegally, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Charles
W. Ott, and others to be determined at trial, were acting within the scope of their duties and their
illegal acts were intended, at least in part, to benefit the respective corporation.
5.9 Vivra Holdings Inc, Gambro Healthcare Inc, Davita Inc, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, and Albany
Medical College, recklessly tolerated, commanded, and ratified, the willful misconduct of Kent J.
Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Leanne M. Zumwalt, Timothy G. Wighton, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Charles
W. Ott, and others to be determined at trial. Plaintiffs allege a pattern of reckless corporate behavior.
Plaintiffs have linked that behavior to specific culpable individuals. See ¶ 8.18, ¶ 8.20, and ¶ 8.22 to
this Amended Complaint.
5.10 Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Leanne M. Zumwalt, Timothy G. Wighton, Anthony P. Tartaglia,
Charles W. Ott, and others to be determined at trial, either individually or severally, possessed the
requisite culpable state of mind upon which to base liability of the corporate parties (Vivra Holdings
Inc, Gambro Healthcare Inc, Davita Inc, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Sepracor Inc, and Albany
Medical College) to this lawsuit. They all had actual knowledge that Jay Grossman had been
accused of violence. They all had actual knowledge that Jay Grossman had been accused of clinical
research fraud and violence, in both Albany, NY and in Tucson, AZ. They all had actual knowledge
of the lawsuit in Albany, NY (Albany County Case # 2960-91) and the sworn affidavit by Richard
Ball, M.D., et al. in Albany County Case # 2960-91. Charles W. Ott had actual knowledge that
Joanne C. Wray (Siegel), R.N., was William H. Ziering’s former research nurse in Fresno, CA prior
to becoming Jay Grossman’s research nurse in Tucson, AZ. Charles W. Ott had actual knowledge of
William H. Ziering’s criminal mail fraud conviction in connection with his clinical research practice
in Fresno, CA. Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, and Sepracor Inc, had actual
knowledge that Jay Grossman had been accused of clinical research fraud and violence, and actual
knowledge that Thomas B. Edwards had been disqualified for clinical research fraud at Albany
Medical College by the FDA. Albany Medical College and Anthony P. Tartaglia knew that Albany
Medical College’s considerable revenue from clinical research studies conducted at Albany Medical
College would potentially suffer if Jay Grossman and Thomas B. Edwards were to continue their
clinical research practices at Albany Medical College, after allegations of Jay Grossman’s research
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
fraud and violence, and Thomas B. Edwards’ disqualification for research fraud. Albany Medical
College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Sepracor Inc, and others, had actual knowledge that the FDA’s
approval for marketing of NDA # 20-837, levoalbuterol HCl inhalational solution, that gained FDA
approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01), was at least in part, based upon fraudulent
clinical research by Thomas B. Edwards conducted at Albany Medical College. Jay Grossman is
known to have been involved in at least one clinical research study in support of a New Drug
Application for levoalbuterol HCl inhalational solution, sponsored by Sepracor Inc, from 1998 until
1999, at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility. The lives of millions of citizens of the United States,
including citizens of Texas, have been intentionally endangered under color of the Prescription Drug
User Fee Act (“PDUFA”). As applied to the Plaintiffs, the PDUFA is repugnant to the U.S.
Constitution under the Equal Protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. See ¶s 8.64 - 8.67 and ¶s
8.80 - 8.89, to this Amended Complaint. Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was motivated
by invidiously discriminatory animus (so as to conceal clinical research fraud by Jay Grossman,
Albany Medical College, Thomas B. Edwards, and Sepracor Inc). See ¶s 8.94 - 8.104 to this
Amended Complaint.
5.11 Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Leanne M. Zumwalt, Timothy G. Wighton, Anthony P. Tartaglia,
Charles W. Ott, and others to be determined at trial, acted either individually or in concert with
others, made or caused to be made certain misrepresentations or omissions, when they knew the
information was false or had a duty to disclose the information. See ¶ 8.18, ¶ 8.20, and ¶ 8.22 to this
Amended Complaint.
5.12 “Vivra” was doing business in nearly every state in the country, as part of a conglomerate of
corporate entities, the senior management of which was located in San Mateo, CA, Plantation, FL,
Norcross, GA, Louisville, KY, Marlborough, MA, and several other locations, prior to the Chapter
11 bankruptcy filing of the “Magellan defendants” that stayed the Plaintiffs’ original federal RICO
action in Tucson, Arizona (Robert M. Davidson, et al v. Vivra Inc, et al, in U.S. District Court
Arizona, Case # CV-03-110-TUC-FRZ, filed on February 19, 2003) .
5.13 The acts and events out of which this cause of action arises occurred in Albany, NY, Tucson, AZ,
Longview, TX, Kilgore, TX, Tyler, TX, Dallas, TX, Arlington, TX, Houston, TX, Katy, TX, Fort
Worth, TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, El Segundo, CA, Norcross, GA, Louisville, KY, Fresno,
CA, San Mateo, CA, Torrance, CA, Deland, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Plantation, FL, Lakewood,
CO, Nashville, TN, Brentwood, TN, Denver, CO, Marlborough, MA, Rockville, MD, and other
locations presently unknown to the Plaintiffs.
5.14 Defendants’ dealings with the FDA are prompted by the FDCA (Food Drug and Cosmetic Act) and
by the PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee Act). The fruit of Defendants’ misconduct has resulted in
approvals by the FDA of numerous New Drug Applications for their corporate pharmaceutical
sponsors, and personal and corporate financial gain for the enterprise. NDA # 20-837, levoalbuterol
HCl inhalational solution, gained FDA approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01).
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was motivated by invidiously discriminatory animus (so
as to conceal clinical research fraud by Jay Grossman, Albany Medical College, Thomas B.
Edwards, and Sepracor Inc). See ¶s 8.94 - 8.104 to this Amended Complaint.
5.15 Concerted action gave the “Vivra” association-in-fact enterprise a peculiar power of coercion over
the Plaintiffs, enabling them to bring about results different in kind from what any of them could
achieve individually. By information and belief, the “relocation” of Jay Grossman’s “research”
practice from Albany, NY to Tucson, AZ in the early 1990’s, involved an agreement (to conceal
clinical research fraud at Albany Medical College) and concerted action, between Albany Medical
College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Jay Grossman, Thomas B. Edwards, Sepracor Inc, and others, to be
determined at trial. Similarly, and not coincidentally, the “relocation” of Thomas B. Edwards’
“research” practice from Albany, NY to Pittsfield, MA in the late 1990’s, by information and belief,
involved an agreement (to conceal clinical research fraud at Albany Medical College) and concerted
action, between Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Thomas B. Edwards, Sepracor Inc,
and others, to be determined at trial. Plaintiffs have jointly suffered direct (“by reason of”)
enterprise injury, conspiracy injury, predicate act injury, and substantive RICO injury, to their
business and property. Plaintiffs allege direct enterprise injury to their business and property due to
the conspirators adoption of a practice and pattern of fraudulent inducement and retention of
contracts as a regular part of the usual way in which the enterprise conducted its affairs. The
“Vivra” association-in-fact enterprise adopted, as a regular way of doing the enterprise’s business,
the routine use of fraudulent hiring and retention inducements in order that they might induce the
employment of highly qualified individuals (including Robert M. Davidson, M.D.) to fill certain key
positions. Plaintiffs allege that they have suffered distinct RICO injuries, i.e. that Plaintiffs’ injuries
derive from the pattern of racketeering activity which violates 18 U.S.C. Section 1962.
5.16 Defendants to this lawsuit have demonstrated a pattern of placing or causing to be placed “defective
products” into the stream of interstate commerce. By information and belief, Albany Medical
College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Sepracor Inc, and others to be determined at trial, acting in concert
and by agreement to conceal fraud, “exported” Jay Grossman from Albany, NY to Tucson, AZ in the
early 1990’s. By information and belief, Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Sepracor
Inc, and others to be determined at trial, acting in concert and by agreement to conceal fraud,
“exported” Thomas B. Edwards from Albany, NY to Pittsfield, MA in the late 1990’s. By
information and belief, William H. Ziering, Jay Grossman, and others to be determined at trial,
acting in concert and by agreement to conceal fraud, “exported” Joanne C. Wray (formerly known as
Joanne C. Siegel) from Fresno, CA to Tucson, AZ in the late 1990’s. Albany Medical College,
Anthony P. Tartaglia, Sepracor Inc, and others to be determined at trial, had actual knowledge that
the FDA’s approval (expedited under color of the PDUFA) for marketing of NDA #20-837,
levoalbuterol HCl inhalational solution, that gained FDA approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on
6/20/01), was at least in part, based upon fraudulent clinical research by Thomas B. Edwards,
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
conducted at Albany Medical College on behalf of Sepracor Inc. By information and belief, Gambro
Healthcare Inc has a history of deaths and injuries associated with the production of faulty products.
In this country, the FDA now says nine deaths and 11 serious injuries have been linked to the Prisma
System.
5.17 The “Vivra” enterprise exists separate and apart from the pattern of racketeering activity in which it
engages. Each of the RICO “persons” who commit the predicate acts is distinct from the enterprise.
Company officers and employees were associated other than through the activities of the companies.
Kent J. Thiry (presently CEO of Davita Inc), Joseph C. Mello (presently COO of Davita Inc), and
Leanne M. Zumwalt (presently Vice President of Davita Inc) have remained associates, long after the
dissolution of Vivra Inc and Vivra Asthma Allergy Inc. Leanne M. Zumwalt was formerly Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of Vivra Inc, from 1991 to 1997, and was Chief Financial Officer of
Vivra Specialty Partners Inc from 1997 through 1999. After a multitude of corporate mergers,
divestitures, acquisitions, dissolutions, and Chapter 11 filings, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello,
Charles W. Ott, and Leanne M. Zumwalt, remain associated-in-fact. This longstanding association is
not coincidental, it is willful.
COUNT ONE
6. Defendants, Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Vivra Holdings Inc, DVA
Renal Healthcare Inc, Gambro Healthcare Inc, and Davita Inc, as persons within the meaning of 18 U.S.C.A.
Section 1961(3), through a pattern of racketeering activity, acquired and/or maintained, directly or indirectly,
an interest in and control of said “Vivra” enterprise in violation of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962(b).
Plaintiffs’ injury under COUNT ONE traces directly to the Physician Employment Agreement
entered into as of April 22, 1997, by and between Vivra Specialty Partners of Arizona P.C. and Jay Grossman,
M.D. Plaintiffs’ injury under COUNT ONE also traces directly to SEC filings for Vivra Inc, that include SC 14
D1, filed on 05/09/1997, that details the Proposed Merger between Vivra Inc and Gambro Healthcare Inc, that
took place on or about June 1997. Page 31 of SC 14 D1 describes Conduct of Specialty Business under the
Merger Agreement. A summary of the Specialty Merger Agreement is found at pages 36 and 37. Page 319
provides details of the Specialty Merger Agreement. Employee Stock Options are described at pages 33 and 34
of SC 14 D1. By information and belief, Kent J. Thiry and Joseph C. Mello are thought to currently possess
substantial stock ownership in Davita Inc. The question of whether Vivra Holdings Inc actually did “spin off”
its asthma/allergy business to its shareholders in the form of a stock dividend on December 1, 1998, as was
sworn to by Michael P. McQuillen, is moot relative to the question of Plaintiffs’ injury under COUNT ONE.
Plaintiffs incorporate here by reference ¶ 8.14 and ¶ 8.28 below.
COUNT TWO
7. Defendants, Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Gayle F. Petrillo, Charles W. Ott, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C.
Mello, Joanne C. Wray, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Michael J. Meehan, Bruce R. Heurlin, Vivra Holdings Inc,
Gambro Healthcare Inc, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Davita Inc, Albany Medical College, and Sepracor Inc, as
persons within the meaning of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1961(3), and as persons employed by or associated with
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
said “Vivra” enterprise, conducted and participated, directly and indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of said
“Vivra” enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity in violation of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962 (c).
Plaintiffs repeat here the allegations found in Paragraphs 1-6 above, and incorporate here by reference the
allegations found in Paragraphs 9-90 below.
8. The predicate acts that constitute this pattern of racketeering activity are set out in the following
subparagraphs:
8.1. Gayle F. Petrillo wrote the “stay home” note at Jay Grossman’s express request and faxed same to
Robert Davidson on April 27, 1999, at 1609 hours with the “Vivra” date and time stamp.
8.2. The Tucson FDA EIR report of 5/5-6/28/99, Page 13, Paragraph 11 provides the mens rea for this act.
“Also included…is a handwritten memo by Gayle Petrillo, Office Manager. When I ask Ms. Petrillo
where this came from she stated that Dr. Grossman had asked her to write this and present it to Dr.
Davidson. The memo states that Dr. Davidson can take two days off beginning April 28, 1999. I asked
why to which she stated so Dr. Davidson would not be around during the scheduled inspection of
4/28-30/99.”
8.3. Neither Gayle F. Petrillo nor Jay Grossman wanted Robert Davidson to be present at the Vivra
Tucson facility during the scheduled inspection of 4/28-30/99 for fear he would “blow the whistle on
them”.
8.4. Gayle F. Petrillo and Jay Grossman agreed to a scheme by which they would insure that Robert
Davidson, M.D. was not present at the Vivra Tucson facility. They agreed to give him two days off
beginning on April 28, 1999.
8.5. Charles W. Ott, acting by agreement and in concert with others, bribed Joanne C. Wray, R.N. by
directly or indirectly providing her with pro bono legal “services” in “defense” of her nursing license
after Jay Grossman was terminated “for cause” by Vivra Inc on July 30, 1999. Joanne C. Wray, R.N.
accepted the bribe from Charles W. Ott and others to be determined at trial. Both Charles W. Ott and
Joanne C. Wray, R.N. wished to conceal Jay Grossman’s serial insurance and research frauds, so as
not to risk discovery by federal regulators of their own complicity in Jay Grossman’s serial insurance
and research frauds at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility between on or about April 22, 1997, to on or
about May 12, 1999. Charles W. Ott, Joanne C. Wray, Gayle F. Petrillo, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C.
Mello, Leanne M. Zumwalt, Timothy G. Wighton, Eudice Grossman, and Jay Grossman, had a
“meeting of the minds”, wherein they all agreed to commit overt acts to conceal serial related
insurance and research frauds and obstruct justice at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility, motivated by
personal and corporate financial gain.
8.6. Joanne C. Wray, R.N. admitted to her actual involvement in serial upcoding and serial unnecessary
procedures by Jay Grossman, billed or caused to be billed by “Vivra” to 3rd party insurance payers,
that made readily foreseeable and necessary use of interstate mail and wire facilities to facilitate their
scheme to defraud, at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ location between on or about April 22, 1997, to on or
about October 1, 1999. By information and belief, “Vivra” is thought to have continued to bill 3rd
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
party insurance payors, even after Jay Grossman was placed on administrative leave and subsequently
terminated for cause, under the “locum tenens rule”. The serial upcoding and serial unnecessary
procedures admitted to by Defendant Joanne C. Wray is related and posed a definite threat of
repetition (open-ended continuity). Plaintiffs incorporate here by reference ¶ 8.40.
8.7. After Jay Grossman was terminated “for cause” by Vivra Inc on or about July 30, 1999, Jay
Grossman attacked Joanne C. Wray’s nursing license by filing a complaint with the Arizona State
Board of Nursing, claiming that she “exceeded the scope of her practice”, presumably often. His
motive was to shift blame for insurance and research fraud from Jay Grossman to Joanne C. Wray.
8.8. The conditional pro bono legal “representation” of Joanne C. Wray, by Charles W. Ott and others
acting in concert, was conditioned upon her remaining an employee of “Vivra”. The object was to
exert control over Joanne C. Wray and thereby conceal insurance and research fraud.
8.9. Charles W. Ott’s inducement of Joanne Christa Wray [formerly known as Joanne Christa Siegel] with
pro bono legal representation was intended and actually succeeded in keeping Joanne C. Wray from
independently seeking her own legal redress, until much later.
8.10. Joanne C. Wray, R.N. could otherwise have readily “blown the whistle” on serial related insurance
frauds and research frauds perpetrated by Jay Grossman at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility between
on or about April 22, 1997, to on or about May 12, 1999. These serial insurance frauds and research
frauds were related and posed a definite threat of repetition (open-ended continuity). A “study buddy”
is typically a former specialty practice patient who is enrolled serially by Jay Grossman in one
clinical research study after another. Between studies they became specialty practice patients again.
Cross-over was commonplace.
8.11. Charles W. Ott was always very much aware of the reason why Jay Grossman attacked Joanne C.
Wray’s nursing license. Charles W. Ott knew that the reason was to shift blame for insurance and
research fraud from Jay Grossman to Joanne C. Wray.
8.12. Both Jay Grossman’s attack upon Joanne C. Wray’s nursing license and Charles W. Ott’s “defense”
on or about October 1, 1999, of her nursing license were calculated overt acts in furtherance of a
conspiracy to conceal on-going, parallel schemes of serial related clinical research frauds and
insurance frauds. The object was to shift blame for insurance and research fraud from Jay Grossman
to Joanne C. Wray. The object was to exert control over Joanne C. Wray and thereby conceal
insurance and research fraud.
8.13. Jay Grossman, Charles W. Ott, Gayle F. Petrillo, Eudice Grossman, and Timothy G. Wighton, agreed
that Jay Grossman would assault Robert Davidson in the workplace on May 11, 1999.
8.14. This assault and battery in the workplace on May 11, 1999, was an unsuccessful attempt by Jay
Grossman and others to provoke Robert Davidson into defending himself physically. This
unwitnessed assault and battery was a carefully orchestrated attempt by Jay Grossman, and others,
acting by agreement and in concert, to shift blame for insurance and research fraud from Jay
Grossman to Robert Davidson. Their contingency plan (should their attempt fail) called for Jay
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Grossman to sue Robert Davidson (and his wife Vanessa Komar) for alleged defamation after
Davidson reported the incident to the Tucson Police Department. Davidson was advised to make a
police report on May 11, 1999, by Gayle F. Petrillo (the “Vivra” Tucson Office Manager). Their
contingency plan called for Grossman to use his stock ownership and stock options in “Vivra” as a
measure of alleged damages against the Davidson, should Grossman ultimately prevail in his
defamation suit. “Vivra” knew in advance of the assault and battery in the workplace on May 11,
1999, that “Vivra” would terminate Jay Grossman’s employment (“for cause”) under the terms of the
Physician Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) of April 22, 1997. It is by means of the “stock
purchase and sale” that took place between Vivra Specialty Partners of Arizona, P.C. (“VSP”) and
Jay Grossman on or about April 22, 1997, and by means of the employee stock option plan of VSP,
that the “Vivra” enterprise gained control over Grossman while providing Grossman with an interest
in the “Vivra” enterprise. Jay Grossman is known to have been involved in many lawsuits. See Albany
County Case #2960-91. See ¶ 6 above.
8.15. These overt acts (assault and battery) by Jay Grossman represent a physical “attack [upon] the
messenger” (Robert Davidson). These overt acts were intended to provoke and induce fear in Robert
Davidson. These acts succeeded in inducing fear in Robert Davidson.
8.16. Jay Grossman, Charles W. Ott, Gayle F. Petrillo, Eudice Grossman, and Timothy G. Wighton, agreed
that Jay Grossman would attack [file a complaint against Joanne C. Wray (formerly Siegel) with
Arizona state board of nursing] Joanne C. Wray’s nursing license. The object was to thereby
economically cripple Ms Wray, and thereby increase her dependency upon “Vivra” for her
professional livelihood. The object was to conceal insurance and research fraud. The object was to
shift blame for insurance and research fraud from Jay Grossman to Joanne C. Wray.
8.17. Jay Grossman, Charles W. Ott, Gayle F. Petrillo, Eudice Grossman, and Timothy G. Wighton, agreed
that Charles W. Ott would bribe Joanne C. Wray, by providing her with “free” legal representation as
long as she remained an employee of “Vivra”. The object was to prevent Ms. Wray from seeking a
legal remedy against Jay Grossman and “Vivra”. The object was also to prevent Ms Wray from
“blowing the whistle” on Jay Grossman’s serial extortions, insurance frauds, and research frauds, at
the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ, facility, from on or about April 22, 1997, to on or about May 12, 1999.
Charles W. Ott, Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Gayle F. Petrillo, Timothy G. Wighton, and others,
knew that Joanne C. Wray, R.N., was Dr William H. Ziering’s former research nurse in Fresno, CA
prior to becoming Jay Grossman’s research nurse in Tucson, AZ. Defendants to this lawsuit are
collaterally estopped from denying the criminal conviction, and prison sentence for clinical
research fraud, specifically mail fraud and aiding and abetting, of William H. Ziering, M.D., on
June 3, 2002. It was not coincidental that Joanne C. Wray, R.N. was Dr Ziering’s research nurse in
Fresno, CA, prior to her becoming Jay Grossman’s research nurse in Tucson, AZ. Charles W. Ott, Jay
Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Gayle F. Petrillo, Timothy G. Wighton, and others, used their
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
knowledge of Dr Ziering’s criminal indictment, mail fraud and aiding and abetting conviction, to
control Joanne C. Wray, thereby concealing fraud and obstructing justice in Tucson, AZ.
8.18. Charles W. Ott’s letter to Robert Davidson of May 28, 1999, is categorically false when it states,
“Contrary to allegations in your May 17 letter to Joe Mello, you did not communicate any concerns to
Vivra management until Pamela Gaard conducted the audit of the Practice. It is unfortunate that, if
you had concerns prior to such date, you did not bring them to our attention.” The letter of May 19,
1999, from Joseph C. Mello, President of Vivra Asthma & Allergy Inc, to Robert Davidson, M.D.,
represents an additional “lulling” inducement that was a product of the concerted acts and agreement
between Joseph C. Mello, Kent J. Thiry, and Charles W. Ott, willfully and maliciously directed at
Robert Davidson, M.D., to conceal on-going parallel, schemes of serial related clinical research frauds
and insurance frauds in Tucson, AZ. Use of interstate mails or wire facilities to achieve the object of
their schemes to defraud was reasonably foreseeable and necessary. Intentional overt acts and
omissions were committed by Joseph C. Mello, Kent J. Thiry, and Charles W. Ott, in furtherance of
their agreement to conceal on-going, parallel, schemes of serial related clinical research frauds and
insurance frauds in Tucson, AZ. They were motivated by personal and corporate financial gain. These
“lulling” inducements were willfully and wantonly directed at Robert M. Davidson, M.D. by Kent J.
Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, and Charles W. Ott, acting by agreement and in concert, to improperly lessen
Plaintiffs’ apprehension and delay Plaintiffs’ seeking a legal remedy. By information and belief,
Charles W. Ott was the General Counsel of Vivra Inc and Vivra Asthma & Allergy Inc, from June
1997 through December 1999. By information and belief, Joseph C. Mello served as president and
chief executive officer of Vivra Asthma & Allergy Inc, from April 1998 until June 2000. In June
2000, he became Chief Operating Officer of Davita Inc. These officers had motive (personal and
corporate financial gain), means, and opportunity to commit these frauds. These individuals had
access to information concerning Jay Grossman’s long history of malfeasance and these individuals
knew that Jay Grossman was engaged in wrongdoing.
8.19. Robert Davidson affirms that he brought his concerns to the attention of “Vivra” management on at
least three separate occasions prior to Ms. Gaard’s audit.
8.20. Charles W. Ott, and others, perjured themselves by signing “NO” to the Certificate of Disclosure,
question re: any >10% shareholder having been subject to sanctions by regulatory or federal body for
fraud, misrepresentation within seven year period (see Arizona Corporations Commission Annual
Report filings for 1999 and 2000, for Vivra Asthma Allergy Care America of Arizona, P.C.). Officers
of Gambro Healthcare Inc and DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, including Larry C. Buckelew, the current
President of DVA Renal Healthcare Inc (formerly known as Gambro Healthcare Inc), perjured
themselves by signing “NO” to the Certificate of Disclosure, question re: any >10% shareholder
having been subject to sanctions by regulatory or federal body for fraud or misrepresentation within
seven year period (see Arizona Corporations Commission Annual Report filings for 1999-2006, for
Gambro Healthcare Inc and DVA Renal Healthcare Inc). See Larry C. Buckelew’s signature on the
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
amended Corporate Integrity Agreement of March 27, 2002, between Gambro Healthcare Inc and the
Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. See Judith A.
Waltz’s signature (counsel for Gambro Healthcare Inc) on the Corporate Integrity Agreement of
November 29, 2004, between Gambro Healthcare Inc and the Office of the Inspector General of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. See the U.S. District Court-Massachusetts (Boston)
Civil Docket filings for USA, et al v. Quest Diagnostics, et al, Case No. 97-CV-10400, filed on
02/21/97 under the False Claims Act and closed on 12/12/02. See the federal docket filings for U.S.
District Court Eastern District of Missouri Case # 4:01-CV-00553-DDN captioned “Bander v.
Gambro Healthcare U.S., Inc”. These “lulling” inducements (Arizona Corporations Commission
Certificates of Disclosure and Corporate Integrity Agreements) by Gambro Healthcare Inc and DVA
Renal Healthcare Inc, between 1999 and 2006, all made willful, wanton, and readily foreseeable and
necessary use of interstate mailings and wire facilities, to accomplish their fraudulent scheme to
conceal fraud. See the “Settlement Agreement and Release” in the case known to the Texas Attorney
General’s Office as “Gambro Healthcare Inc” MF 052976-01-7, GBL 1204 040. Pages 3 to 7 of 20 of
the “Settlement Agreement and Release” detail the allegations of the State of Texas with respect to
conduct of Gambro Healthcare Inc in the forum state of Texas.
8.21. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, and Gayle Petrillo each agreed to perform overt acts that made
willful, wanton, and readily foreseeable and necessary use of interstate mailings, to libel Robert
Davidson, M.D. [and Arnold Funckes, M.D.] on or about August 20, 1999, in Tucson, AZ when,
according to an email from Eric Johansen on August 20, 1999, “Dr Grossman had sent letters to all
the drug companies and insurance companies that Vivra bills printing a grey picture of you [Robert
Davidson] and Dr Funckes. Trying to put the blame on you two and how you walked out of the office
and left patients that were waiting to be seen…a copy of these letters were put in the regulatory
binders [at the Vivra Tucson facility of VAACAA].” The object of these defendants’ fraudulent
scheme (Jay Grossman’s, Eudice Grossman’s, and Gayle F. Petrillo’s fraudulent scheme) was to
conceal fraud by blaming their problems on their staff.
8.22. “Vivra” willfully directed frauds at the Plaintiffs in the inducement and retention of Robert
Davidson’s employment with Vivra. See the Classified advertisement of July 15, 1998, from the
Tucson Citizen, titled “Physician, Pharmaceutical Research”. See the “ZERO TOLERANCE
POLICY” memorandum (addressed to All Vivra Employees) on “Vivra” Norcross, GA letterhead
and both editions of the Vivra Employee’s Handbook for Vivra’s avowed policy regarding violence in
the workplace and Vivra’s averments as to legitimacy of its business operations. At the direction of
Kent J. Thiry and Joseph C. Mello, acting by agreement and in concert, the October 1998 revision of
the Employee Handbook was sent by both interstate mail and wire facilities to the employees,
including Robert M. Davidson, M.D., at the Vivra Tucson 698 E. Wetmore Road location, on or about
November 19, 1998, at 1410 hours from fax # 954-723-1217. The mailings directed specifically at
Robert M. Davidson, M.D. of the initial Employees Handbook (December 12, 1995 revision) and
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Zero Tolerance Policy memorandum on or about September 1, 1998, and the mailings and fax
transmissions on or about November 19, 1998, of the October 1998 revision of the Employees
Handbook, that further detailed Vivra’s avowed aversion to violence in the workplace and further
detailed Vivra’s averments as to legitimacy of Vivra’s business operations, took place within 10 years
of the commission of a prior act of racketeering activity (one of which occurred after October 15,
1970), and represent a pattern of racketeering activity (related and continuous activity) by Gambro
Healthcare Inc, Vivra Holdings Inc, Kent J. Thiry, and Joseph C. Mello, that was a direct cause of
injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property. Both Kent J. Thiry and Joseph C. Mello knew that the
Zero Tolerance Policy was false. They both knew that Jay Grossman was violent. They both knew
that the averments as to legitimacy of Vivra’s business operations were false. They both knew that
Jay Grossman was commiting clinical research fraud and insurance fraud at the Vivra Tucson, AZ
facility. These officers had motive (personal and corporate financial gain), means, and opportunity to
commit fraud. These individuals had access to information concerning Jay Grossman’s long history of
malfeasance and these individuals knew that Jay Grossman was engaged in wrongdoing. By their
willful actions and omissions, Kent J. Thiry and Joseph C. Mello both sought to mislead Robert
Davidson, M.D. and Vanessa E. Komar, and thereby induce Plaintiffs’ decision for Robert Davidson,
M.D. to accept and continue employment with Vivra. Acting by agreement and in concert, they both
used the mails or wire facilities to commit fraud. Plaintiffs relied on the misrepresentations. Plaintiffs
have shown injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property that was directly (“by reason of”) caused by the
racketeering activities, i.e., the predicate acts. Plaintiffs have shown enterprise injury to their business
and property that was directly (“by reason of”) caused by the concerted acts of Kent J. Thiry and
Joseph C. Mello. At the time of these fraudulent hiring and retention inducements, Kent J. Thiry
was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Vivra Holdings Inc. Vivra Holdings Inc is
liable to Plaintiffs for the willful, wanton misconduct of its chairman of the board and chief
executive officer. These fraudulent hiring and retention inducements preceded the alleged “spin-off”
on December 1, 1998, by Vivra Holding Inc of its asthma/allergy business to its shareholders in the
form of a stock dividend. The question of whether Vivra Holdings Inc actually did “spin off” its
asthma/allergy business on December 1, 1998, as was sworn to by Michael P. McQuillen, is therefore
moot relative to Plaintiffs’ allegation of injury to business and property by reason of the
aforementioned fraudulent hiring and retention inducements.
8.23. Jay Grossman serially upcoded all E&M claims and coded for unnecessary procedures on every
specialty practice patient. Reimbursement claims for these upcoded office visits and unnecessary
procedures were submitted or caused to be submitted to 3rd party payers, including Medicare, by
“Vivra”, at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility between April 22, 1997, and May 12, 1999, by willful,
wanton use of interstate mail and wire facilities to accomplish the fraudulent scheme, for personal and
corporate financial gain. See ¶ 8.62 to this Amended Complaint.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
8.24. By information and belief, representatives from the drug companies for whom the studies were
performed testified in Albany, NY, that the studies were performed properly and that there were no
protocol violations committed by Dr Grossman. See documents received from the Albany County
Clerk from Albany County Case #2960-91.
8.25. By information and belief, Jay Grossman is thought to have received payments from Big Pharma
corporations for “consulting” between April 22, 1997, and May 12, 1999.
8.26. Jay Grossman asserted to the FDA that he does not have to solicit corporate research sponsors…they
come to him. Page 3 of FDA Albany, NY EIR of 1990, states, “[Jay Grossman] as President of the
corporation, is responsible for its overall operation. Dr Grossman indicated he does not attempt to
recruit drug manufacturers, since he is well known in the industry as a clinical researcher, and the
manufacturers take the initiative to contact him.”
8.27. Per telephone conversation between Robert Davidson and FDA [Carolanne Currier], “corporate
pharma sponsors usually tell Contract Research Organizations which clinical investigators they may
and may not use for the conduct of research studies.”
8.28. Stock options and stock ownership in the “Vivra” enterprise are two of the methods employed by Jay
Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C. Mello, Vivra Holdings Inc, Vivra Specialty
Partners of Arizona P.C., Vivra Asthma Allergy Care America of Arizona, P.C., Gambro Healthcare
Inc, DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Gambro Inc, Davita Inc, and others, to acquire or maintain, directly
or indirectly, through a pattern of racketeering activity, an interest in or control of an enterprise [that
is, “Vivra”] that is engaged in, or the activities of which affect, interstate commerce, in violation of 18
U.S.C.A. Section 1962 (b). See page 1 of the Physician Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”)
on April 22, 1997, between Jay Grossman, M.D. and Vivra Specialty Partners of Arizona, P.C., and
that certain Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”). See paragraphs 4.1, 4.2,
6.3, and 6.4, of the “Agreement”. See SEC filings for Vivra Inc, especially those that detail the merger
on or about June 1997, between Gambro Healthcare Inc and Vivra Inc, and the Employee Stock
Option Plans related to the merger.
8.29. An unrelenting, pervasive pattern of intimidation and harassment of the clinical research staff by Jay
Grossman under color of official right, engendered an atmosphere of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and
“psychic blindness” to certain objective clinical facts, including patient safety, out of fear of
retribution, at the Vivra Tucson facility, between April 22, 1997, and May 12, 1999.
8.30. According to the Tucson FDA EIR of 5/5-6/28/99, it states, “Included in the records provided by
Andrea York was a handwritten letter dated 4/17/99, Exhibit 7.03-7.05 and signed by the majority of
the staff describing their concerns about their work environment ranging from theft…prescreens done
by front office, patients with questionable qualifying criteria being randomized anyway.”
8.31. Page 3, Paragraph 5 of the FDA Tucson EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 states, “He [former Vivra Tucson
Supervisory Clinical Research Coordinator, Eric Johansen] has seen Dr JG argue with Dr RD
regarding Dr RD informing patient (and documenting in the clinic notes) of the possible side effects
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
of a study. EJ stated that Dr JG has been heard to say that type of comment would scare patients
away. Dr JG would tell patients of the benefits of the study and downplay the risks.”
8.32. Jay Grossman intentionally created an atmosphere of unquestioned obedience by the clinical research
staff, inspired by fear, under color of official right. His intent was to further a plan or purpose to
obtain property (inappropriate study subject enrollments) from Robert Davidson and the Vivra clinical
research study coordinators, with their consent, induced by Jay Grossman’s wrongful use of actual or
threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right.
8.33. Former “Vivra” Tucson, AZ clinical research coordinator, Linda Buer [formerly LeBlanc] was a
victim of Jay Grossman’s Hobbs Act (extortion) violations at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility.
8.34. In an email of November 13, 2000, from Linda Buer to Robert Davidson, she states, “It was nice to
hear from you. I’m sorry it is for this reason however. Sometimes bad pennies don’t want to go away.
I think it is terrible that Dr. Grossman just won’t owe up to his personal responsibility and ethical
conduct—but must continue to find scapegoats for his misconduct, my deepest empathies.” “I just
remember feeling ethically compromised and not sleeping well there at the end of my employment.”
8.35. In a letter to Robert Davidson on November 28, 2000 [as an email attachment], former Vivra Tucson,
AZ, clinical research study coordinator, Linda Buer [formerly Linda LeBlanc] wrote: “However, my
professional relationship with Dr Grossman during my employ contributed greatly to my decision to
leave Vivra. Over a period of several months, I found my professional ethics concerning the health
and welfare of the study patient increasingly violated by Dr Grossman’s reversals in the approval of
study patients’ entry into a particular trial.” “As coordinator, I only facilitate his [Jay Grossman’s]
decision by collecting the needed information. Dr Davidson, as a sub-investigator, also must defer to
the decisions of the Principal Investigator.” “Dr Grossman may say to the Sponsor that a patient’s
asthma is stable, but he would neglect to tell the Sponsor that the patient had had a number of
prednisone bursts during the previous year.” “Dr Grossman routinely pushed the envelope of
acceptable criteria for entry into a study.” “I found Dr Grossman to be more concerned with patient
accrual and subsequent paid patient visits than with the highest and best for the patient. The health
interests of the patient were secondary to Dr Grossman. Dr Grossman continually berated Dr
Davidson and myself for making any decisions concerning the entry or early withdrawal of a study
patient from a study no matter how appropriate the basis of our decision. Dr Grossman would
verbally “assault” us within earshot of others. Dr Grossman would continually tell us that only he
had the ability to admit a patient or not.”
8.36. In an email on or about October 1, 1999, from Joanne C. Wray to Robert Davidson, she states, “Jay
[Grossman] managed to fuck me over…he filed a complaint against my nursing license: exceeding
the scope of my nursing practice. Now I have to mount a defense. I have the Vivra attorneys working
on my behalf, but it still sucks.”
8.37. In an email of April 22, 2000, from Joanne C. Wray to Robert Davidson, she states, “I am packed to
move, have lost my job, am facing a move to a place I don’t want to be [Fresno]. Forgive me for
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
being self-absorbed.” “I have no interest in pursing litigation against Jay [Grossman]. I want this
mess to go away. One month ago, my attorney was using words like “criminal…obstruction of
justice…” I want to go on with my life, not continue to wallow in Jay’s “fleas”…”. “You may win a
fight with a skunk, but you still smell.”
8.38. In an email of October 11, 2000, from Joanne C. Wray to Robert Davidson, she states, “Yes, Jay is
continuing to haunt me. The complaint he lodged against my AZ license is still pending.”
8.39. In an email of December 12, 2000, from Joanne C. Wray to Robert Davidson, she states, “Jay is
actually taking you to trial? I’d be happy to depose in your favor. Just tell what I have to do.”
8.40. In an email of January 18, 2003, from Joanne C. Wray to Robert Davidson, she states, “I am sorry to
inform you, but after further consideration, and after discussion with the man who is important in my
life, I am rescinding my agreement to participate as co-plaintiff in your suit against Grossman.” “My
stint at Vivra is just a memory now. Whatever atrocities Grossman may or may not have committed
involves me only in the periphery, and having said that, I don’t wish to waken a sleeping giant
(Grossman) against me. Grossman has money, time and influence. I have neither.” “I wish you well in
this suit, but do not want to participate in what appears to me to be a vendetta.”
8.41. By information and belief, Jay Grossman and Charles W. Ott regularly traveled interstate in aid of the
“Vivra” enterprise between on or about April 22, 1997, and on or about October 1, 1999.
8.42. Paragraph 1, Page 5 of FDA Exhibit 1.05 states, “After checking my calendar for 1998, I confirmed
that I was at the Vivra site in Tucson for approximately 214 days of that year.”
8.43. Paragraph 4, Page 3 of FDA Exhibit 1.03 states “in addition to my work at the research site, I have
worked with several drug companies in the development of research protocols, and as a consultant.”
Please also reference the Monthly Operations Meeting Agenda of January 15, 1999, at the “Vivra”
Tucson facility.
8.44. Jay Grossman’s and Charles W. Ott’s frequent interstate travel, and frequent use of interstate mail and
interstate wire facilities, in interstate commerce, between on or about April 22, 1997, and on or about
October 1, 1999, was with intent to aid the “Vivra” enterprise, and they thereby serially performed or
attempted to perform related related predicate acts proscribed by 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1952,
Subsection (a)(3), in a pattern of racketeering activity, with open-ended continuity, for personal and
corporate financial gain.
8.45. During an on-going FDA inspection of Jay Grossman’s regulated conduct in Albany, NY, Jay
Grossman took all of the Case Report Forms for a study plus the study binder and some copies of the
patient files when he abruptly moved from Albany, NY to Tucson, AZ (reference page 3 of Albany,
NY FDA EIR of 1993). This relocation is thought to have occurred in either 1992 or 1993.
8.46. Carolanne Currier of the FDA, gave permission to omit coverage required by the Compliance
Program 7348.811 and was told to check only the 7 Case Report Forms received as supporting
documents to the assignment (reference page 4 of Albany, NY FDA EIR of 1993).
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
8.47. Jay Grossman serially and intentionally (and/or recklessly) endangered clinical research subject MHJ
[DOB 5-23-53] by not informing her of her abnormal EKG’s, motivated by personal financial gain.
This subject’s prior EKG of 5/30/98 shows the computer-generated “T ABNORMALITY IN
INFERIOR LEADS” to have been crossed-out by Jay Grossman and WNL (within normal limits)
written and initialed by Jay Grossman on 5-30-98. Jay Grossman had actual knowledge that this
subject’s EKG’s were abnormal. Jay Grossman had actual knowledge that this subject’s EKG’s were
NOT within normal limits when he crossed-out the computer-generated interpretation, wrote “WNL”,
and initialed the EKG, on May 30, 1998, in Tucson, AZ, motivated by personal financial gain. Jay
Grossman knew that MHJ had multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, including
hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and positive family history of myocardial infarction. His intent was to
qualify MHJ for study participation, despite EKG abnormality (T-wave inversion in the inferior
leads), and without informing MHJ of her EKG abnormality.
8.48. Jay Grossman continued to screen MHJ at several subsequent visits even after this subject’s EKG
abnormalities (both present and prior EKG’s) were brought to Jay Grossman’s attention and despite
safety concerns having been expressed to Jay Grossman by Robert Davidson. Jay Grossman knew that
MHJ had multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
and positive family history of myocardial infarction. Jay Grossman willfully, wantonly, and
repeatedly endangered MHJ for personal financial gain. Jay Grossman’s motive, method, and victim
for these frauds were similar, in fact, they were identical. Jay Grossman had motive (personal
financial gain), means, and opportunity to commit these frauds.
8.49. Jay Grossman employed this scheme or artifice to defraud to enroll MHJ in the Glaxo-Wellcome
FLTA 4039 study on or about 2-10-99, and again when Jay Grossman enrolled her in the Pfizer 264-
101 study on or about 3-26-99 at the “Vivra” 698 E. Wetmore Road, Suite 100, Tucson, AZ facility.
Thus, Jay Grossman’s motive, methods, and type of victim were similar [in fact, they were identical]
for these two frauds. MHJ was a so-called “study buddy” of Jay Grossman’s. A “study buddy” is
typically a former specialty practice patient who is enrolled serially by Jay Grossman in one clinical
research study after another. Between studies they became specialty practice patients again. Cross-
over was commonplace.
8.50. It was routine, customary, necessary, and entirely foreseeable, that EKG data, such as that obtained on
5-30-98 and on 3-15-99 would be placed, or caused to be placed, directly or indirectly, into the U.S.
mail and interstate wire communications, by Jay Grossman, to corporate pharmaceutical sponsors, in
support of New Drug Applications. The EKG of 3-15-99 for MHJ was transmitted on or about 3-15-
99 by Jay Grossman or caused to be transmitted by Jay Grossman either by interstate mail or wire
facility to the corporate sponsor (Pfizer) in behalf of a New Drug Application to the FDA. See the
Affidavit and Exhibits attached to this Amended Complaint. Included in these exhibits are copies of
the EKG data obtained on 5-30-98 and 3-15-99 for MHJ. Also included in these exhibits is the EKG
of study subject CKC from study visit #1 in the Novartis E25 research study at the “Vivra” Tucson
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 19
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
facility. The computer-generated “ST & T ABNORMALITY, CONSIDER INFEROLATERAL
ISCHEMIA OR LEFT VENTRICULAR STRAIN” was crossed-out by Jay Grossman and WNL
(within normal limits) written and initialed by Jay Grossman on 12-18-98. He knew the EKG was not
WNL. To a virtual certainty, this EKG was also transmitted or caused to be transmitted on or about
12-18-98 by Jay Grossman either by interstate mail or wire facility to the corporate sponsor in behalf
of a New Drug Application to the FDA. Page 2, paragraph 20, of the Tucson FDA-483 report of 5/5-
6/28/99, states “Subject [JML redacted] in [Forest Labs 01 redacted] study had a ECG which was
listed as normal while the ECG strip listed, “Leftward Axis QRS(T) CONTOUR ABNORMALITY
CONSISTENT WITH ANTEROSEPTAL INFARCT”. PI signed “WNL”. Jay Grossman knew the
EKG was not WNL. To a virtual certainty, this EKG was also transmitted or caused to be transmitted
by Jay Grossman either by interstate mail or wire facility to the corporate sponsor in behalf of a New
Drug Application to the FDA. Jay Grossman had motive (personal financial gain), means, and
opportunity to commit these frauds.
8.51. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Gayle Petrillo, and others, acting in concert and by agreement to
commit or cause to be committed serial overt acts of fraud that willfully and wantonly made routine,
necessary, and readily foreseeable use of the United States mail or interstate wire facilities or caused
use of the United States mail or interstate wire facilities in furtherance of a scheme or artifice to
defraud, and Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, and Gayle F. Petrillo, did so with the specific intent to
deceive or defraud, for personal and corporate financial gain. The scheme or artifice to defraud
involved submitting or causing to be submitted fraudulently upcoded reimbursement claims and
fraudulent reimbursement claims for medically-unnecessary PFTs (pulmonary function tests) to
Medicare and other commercial 3rd party payers, from the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility, between on or
about April 22, 1997, and on or about October 1, 1999, for every specialty practice seen at the “Vivra”
Tucson, AZ facility. Particularity in the allegation of these frauds is found at ¶ 8.62 below, and
incorporated here by reference. The scheme or artifice to defraud specifically involved submitting or
causing to be submitted falsified clinical research data (Case Report Forms and clinical source
documents) in support of New Drug Applications, to the FDA and to clinical research sponsors, from
Albany, NY and from the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility, between on or about April 22, 1997, and on or
about May 12, 1999. Particularity in the allegation of these frauds is found at ¶ 8.47-8.50 and ¶ 8.53-
8.61, and incorporated here by reference. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, and Gayle Petrillo, had
motive (personal and corporate financial gain), means, and opportunity to commit these frauds. The
scheme or artifice to defraud involved “study buddies”. A “study buddy” is typically a former
specialty practice patient who is enrolled serially by Jay Grossman [or Thomas B. Edwards] in one
clinical research study after another. Between studies they became specialty practice patients again.
Cross-over was commonplace. Plaintiffs incorporate here by reference ¶s 8.30, 8.68, and 8.69.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 20
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
8.52. Jay Grossman and others, acting in concert, knowingly and willfully made use of or caused the use of
the U.S. mails and interstate wire communications for the purpose of the alleged crimes, at the
“Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility, between on or about April 22, 1997, and on or about October 1, 1999.
8.53. Jay Grossman serially and intentionally (and/or recklessly) endangered clinical research subject MMD
[DOB 1-8-44] by enrolling her in multiple research studies despite this subject having history of
multiple prior abnormal EKG’s loud heart murmur, history of RBBB (right bundle branch block) and
rheumatic fever.
8.54. Study subject MMD was enrolled by Jay Grossman in the Forest Labs 01 study for personal financial
gain, despite this study subject having a very clear study exclusion criterion, history of rheumatic
fever. MMD was again enrolled by Jay Grossman in the Novartis E25 asthma study on 10/6/98, for
personal financial gain.
8.55. Subject MMD’s medical history questionnaire shows subject history of rheumatic fever to be crossed-
out and Jay Grossman’s assertion on 11/25/98 that subject now states that she did have rheumatic
fever as a child.
8.56. Subject MMD was intentionally (and/or recklessly) endangered by Jay Grossman, motivated by
personal financial gain.
8.57. Jay Grossman had [apparently] crossed-out this subject’s history of rheumatic fever, realizing that
rheumatic fever was an exclusion criteria for nearly all asthma studies.
8.58. Jay Grossman did not make the written assertion that “subject now states that she did have rheumatic
fever as a child” until after Jay Grossman had learned that Robert Davidson had become aware of this
research subject’s loud heart murmur, abnormal EKG’s, and her history of rheumatic fever.
8.59. Subject MMD was improperly enrolled by Jay Grossman into the Novartis E25 asthma study on
10/6/98. Not only did this subject have history of rheumatic fever (a clear study exclusion for nearly
any asthma study), but she also had a history of pulmonary embolism (another clear study exclusion
for nearly any asthma study). Thus, Jay Grossman’s motive, methods, and type of victim were similar
[in fact, they were identical] for these two frauds. This study subject (MMD) was thus serially
intentionally (and/or recklessly) endangered by Jay Grossman, for personal financial gain. MMD was
a so-called “study buddy” of Jay Grossman’s. Jay Grossman had motive (personal financial gain),
means, and opportunity to commit these frauds.
8.60. Jay Grossman enrolled subject SML [DOB 5-7-44] into the Hoechst Marion Roussel 3647A/3005
acute sinusitis study despite subject having a clear study exclusion (maintenance inhaled
corticosteroid therapy). Subject SML subsequently experienced a Serious Adverse Event:
hospitalization, while in study. Moreover, this subject had recently participated in a prior asthma
study [Zeneca 088] during which she required multiple prednisone bursts and multiple courses of
antibiotic therapy for several bouts of acute sinusitis with asthma exacerbation. This clinical research
subject was, thus, intentionally (and/or recklessly) endangered by Jay Grossman, motivated by
personal financial gain. Subject SML was another so-called “study buddy” of Jay Grossman’s.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 21
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
8.61. Study Coordinator Laura Hulse stated that subject BJD [redacted] called to say she could not
participate in a 12-hour a day study due to her schedule. Jay Grossman called the subject’s estranged
husband to say that they had to get the disease under control. Coordinator says Jay Grossman then
called subject BJD [redacted] who agreed to complete the screening visit. Jay Grosman’s intent was
not to “get the disease under control” as Jay Grossman indicated to her estranged husband. Jay
Grossman’s intent was to enroll clinical study subject BJD in a clinical research study for Jay
Grossman’s personal financial gain.
8.62. In an email from Joanne C. Wray, R.N. to Robert Davidson on December 15, 2000, she states, “As for
the upcoding, it’s a fact for anyone to see. All office visits were billed exactly the same, without
exception.” “As for unnecessary procedures…did I think that every person needed a PFT [pulmonary
function test] every visit? No.” The upcoding and unnecessary procedures admitted to by Defendant
Joanne C. Wray is related and posed a definite threat of repetition (open-ended continuity).
8.63. There is striking similarity between the allegations of violence, unethical, and probably illegal conduct
in the Affidavit filed by Richard Ball, M.D. in Albany County Case # 2960-91 on December 6, 1994,
and the allegations of violence, unethical, and probably illegal conduct found in the letter from Robert
Davidson to Dr Antoine El Hage of FDA on April 14, 1999, and the Affidavit filed by Robert
Davidson with FDA investigator, Armando Chavez, on May 21, 1999.
8.64. There is a recurring pattern of expedited marketing approvals of New Drug Applications by the FDA
while both routine and “for cause” investigations of clinical research establishments are often
selectively “delayed” [intentionally “stone-walled”] under the auspices of the PDUFA I, II, III, and
IV.
8.65. Numerous expedited marketing approvals by FDA, often based upon seriously flawed clinical
research, have occurred from 1992 (upon initial enactment by Congress of the PDUFA) until the
present and have a very real threat of continuing into the future under the PDUFA IV. Millions of
U.S. citizens have been and continue to be intentionally endangered under color of the PDUFA.
There have been many hospitalizations and deaths. The PDUFA is repugnant to the U.S. Constitution,
violative of Fifth Amendment Due Process and Equal Protection. Obstruction of justice under color of
the PDUFA by Federal Action, has been alleged in the case at bar. Direct injury to Plaintiffs’
business and property by reason of obstruction of justice under color of the PDUFA, has been
alleged in the case at bar. A recurring pattern of misconduct [obstructions of justice, fraudulent
concealment, fraudulent misrepresentation (acts and omissions), Hobbs Act extortion, Travel Act
violations, intentional endangerments, and deaths] under color of the PDUFA to gain expedited
review and marketing approvals of New Drug Applications, and personal and corporate financial gain
for the enterprise, has been alleged in the case at bar.
8.66. These “expedited” marketing approvals of New Drug Applications, intentional endangerments,
hospitalizations, and deaths, while both routine and “for cause” investigations of potential clinical
research misconduct are often “delayed” [intentionally “stone-walled”] represent a pattern of serial
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
corporate bribery of FDA officials acting in their personal capacity in violation of 18 U.S.C.A.
Section 201.
8.67. This pattern of serial corporate bribery of FDA officials (acting in their personal capacities) by
corporate pharmaceutical research sponsors, and intentionally delayed “for cause” FDA inspections
[the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 (Jay Grossman, M.D.) and the FDA Albany, NY EIR of
10/22-12/23/97 (Thomas B. Edwards, M.D.)], under color of the PDUFA, caused direct (“by reason
of”) predicate act injury, enterprise injury, and conspiracy injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property,
and arises out of the pattern of racketeering activity. By information and belief, “expedited” marketing
approvals for New Drug Applications, based in part upon seriously-flawed (fraudulent) clinical
research, were granted by the FDA during the “delay” of these “for cause” FDA inspections, under
color of the PDUFA. See the NDA # 20-837 for Xopenex Inhalation Solution, that gained FDA
approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01).
8.68. Paragraph 4, Page 3 of Tucson FDA EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 states: “All three affiants stated that they
have seen [Jay Grossman] postdate records.”
8.69. Paragraph 5, Page 3 of Tucson FDA EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 states: “EJ [Eric Johansen, Vivra Tucson
supervisory clinical research coordinator] stated that Dr JG [Jay Grossman] asked him to bring all
Case Report Forms and records for this study into his office and recreated past medical histories into
the clinic notes from information taken from source document medical questionnaires. EJ stated he
has seen Dr JG tear up clinic notes and redo them because of the information on them.”
8.70. By information and belief, SEC filings of Vivra Inc (then the successor in interest to Vivra Specialty
Partners Inc), Gambro Inc (then the successor in interest to Gambro Healthcare Inc), and Davita Inc
(now the successor in interest to Gambro Healthcare Inc), describe employee stock option plans for
specialty practice physicians. By information and belief, Jay Grossman is alleged to have been a
recipient of stock and stock options from “Vivra”. By information and belief, Kent J. Thiry and
Joseph C. Mello are recipients of stock and stock options from “Vivra”.
8.71. The bonus compensation for Vivra specialty practice physicians is referred to in an Agenda item for
the Monthly Operations Meeting at the Vivra Tucson facility on January 15, 1999.
8.72. Jay Grossman’s Physician Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) strictly reserved the setting of
fees, billings, and collections to Vivra Specialty Partners of Arizona, P.C. See page 17, at ¶ 11.4 and ¶
11.5 of the “Agreement”.
8.73. A longstanding, ongoing conspiracy to conceal fraud exists from which Plaintiffs have suffered injury
to Plaintiffs’ business and property prior to May 23, 2006.
8.74. Plaintiffs continue to suffer ongoing injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property by reason of this
ongoing conspiracy to conceal fraud.
8.75. The conspiracy to conceal fraud, the “Vivra” association-in-fact enterprise, the pattern of racketeering
activity, and the predicate acts, are still ongoing to the present day, and Plaintiffs continue to suffer
direct injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property by reason of the conspiracy, the racketeering
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
enterprise, the pattern of racketeering activity, the substantive RICO statute violations, and the
predicate acts.
8.76. Defendants took, and continue to take, affirmative steps to conceal the existence of the conspiracy.
8.77. Plaintiffs did not know of the existence of the conspiracy and could not have discovered it by the
exercise of due diligence.
8.78. Without the predicate act violations, in a pattern of racketeering activity, and overt acts of conspiracy
found in the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR [Establishment Inspection Report] of 5/5-6/28/99, a substantially
delayed and heavily redacted copy of which was finally obtained by Robert Davidson on or about
February 20, 2001, by means of an FOI request, Robert Davidson did not know that a RICO violation
had occurred.
8.79. Page 13, Paragraph 11, of the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 documents an agreement to
obstruct justice, overt acts of conspiracy to obstruct justice, and provides the mens rea for obstruction
of justice, attempt to obstruct justice, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
8.80. Because Defendants took affirmative steps to conceal the existence of the conspiracy, Robert
Davidson did not then [prior to February 20, 2001] know of the existence of the conspiracy much less
know the identity of the co-conspirators or the extent of the conspiracy. Plaintiffs allege direct injury
to their business and property by reason of obstruction of justice under color of the PDUFA in the
case at bar. See paragraphs 8.64 - 8.67 and paragraphs 8.81 - 8.89, to this Amended Complaint.
8.81. Robert Davidson did not obtain heavily redacted copies of the FDA Albany, NY EIR of 4/29-5/2 &
8/96 (Thomas B. Edwards, M.D.) and FDA Albany, NY EIR of 10/22-12/23/97 (Thomas B. Edwards,
M.D.) until on or about November 13, 2003, despite having originally requested these reports through
FOI on or about 12/20/2000.
8.82. Paragraph 2, Page 1 of the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 states “This inspection report was
delayed due to a PDUFA report.” This delay was willful and directly targeted at the Plaintiffs. See ¶
8.84 to this Amended Complaint. As applied to the Plaintiffs, the PDUFA is repugnant to the U.S.
Constitution under the Equal Protection clause of the Fifth Amendment.
8.83. The PDUFA [Prescription Drug User Fee Act] status of at least one of the index clinical research
studies inspected by the FDA at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility in 1999, was a very substantial cause
of injury to Plaintiffs.
8.84. By delaying the publication of the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99, the PDUFA II substantially
delayed the time at which Plaintiffs could begin to seek a legal remedy against Defendants. This
“delay” was intentional and directly targeted at the Plaintiffs. This “delay” inured greatly to the
benefit of Defendants, Big Pharma corporations [including Sepracor Inc], the “Vivra” enterprise, and
the FDA [employees acting in their official capacity], while inuring greatly to the detriment of
Plaintiffs. Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was motivated by invidiously discriminatory
animus. Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was intended to conceal the fraudulent clinical
research of Jay Grossman, Thomas B. Edwards, Albany Medical College, and Sepracor Inc, in
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
support of the NDA # 20-837 for Xopenex Inhalation Solution, that gained FDA approval on
3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01). See paragraphs 8.94 - 8.104 to this Amended Complaint.
8.85. “Expedited” market approvals of New Drug Applications by the FDA took place during this “delay”
and during the pendency of the ostensibly ongoing criminal investigation of Jay Grossman’s conduct
by the Criminal Division of the FDA. See the NDA # 20-837 for Xopenex Inhalation Solution, that
gained FDA approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01). This FDA approval was based in
part upon fraudulent (seriously flawed) clinical research by Thomas B. Edwards in Albany, NY at
Albany Medical College.
8.86. There is a recurring pattern of expedited market “approvals” of New Drug Applications by the FDA,
while both routine and “for cause” investigations of clinical research establishments are selectively
“delayed” [intentionally “stone-walled”] under color of PDUFA I, II, III, and soon the PDUFA IV.
8.87. The Principal Investigator [Jay Grossman] was terminated for cause on July 30, 1999, by Vivra Inc,
yet the FDA report on 7/10/2000 states, “Review of the records found no deviations…”
8.88. Paragraph 1, Page 1, of the FDA EIR Tucson facility on 7/6-10/2000, a redacted copy of which was
obtained through FOI by Plaintiffs, states, “This was a High Priority CDER User Fee NDA Pre-
Approval Study-Oriented Clinical Investigator Data Validation Inspection assigned by HFD-46 to
audit…under CP 7348.811. Review of the records found no deviations and no FD-483 was issued.”
8.89. The FDA Tucson AZ EIRs of 5/5-6/28/99 and 7/6-10/2000 made no findings that in any way deterred
Big Pharma corporations (including Sepracor Inc) from proceeding under the PDUFA II [now under
the PDUFA III] to gain expedited FDA “review” and market approval of their products. See
paragraphs 8.94 - 8.104 to this Amended Complaint.
8.90. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on December 2, 2004, “Gambro Healthcare will pay
more than $350 million in criminal fines and civil penalties to settle allegations of healthcare fraud in
the Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs…” “Gambro Healthcare will also pay in excess of
$310 million to resolve civil liabilities stemming from alleged kickbacks paid to physicians, false
statements made to procure payment for unnecessary tests and services, and payments made to
Gambro Supply.” “The settlement also requires Gambro to allocate an additional $15 million to
resolve potential liability for the conduct resolved under the federal agreement pursuant to a
preliminary understanding reached with representatives of various state Medicaid programs.”
[boldface, italics, and underline are added for emphasis].
8.91. According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, on or about September 22, 2005, “Texas Attorney
General Greg Abbott [today] announced the recovery of $1.86 million for the Texas Medicaid
program following a multi-state investigation of Gambro Healthcare Inc and its subsidiary, Gambro
Supply Corp.” “The total recovery [$1.86 million for the Texas Medicaid program] reflects the
amount defrauded from the program, which comprises the state’s partnership with the federal
government for managing this program.” “The states were wrongly billed for these medically
unnecessary tests. The total nationwide restitution to Medicaid, with penalties and interest, is $37.5
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 25
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
million and relates to similar schemes to defraud 40 other states from January 1991 through
September 2004.” [boldface, italics, and underline are added for emphasis].
8.92. Defendants to this lawsuit are collaterally estopped from denying the allegations of the State of Texas
with respect to the conduct of Gambro Healthcare Inc in the forum state of Texas, found at pages 3 to
7 of 20 of the “Settlement Agreement and Release” signed by Barry R. McBee, First Assistant
Attorney General for the State of Texas, and by Scott T. Larson, Senior Vice President and General
Counsel for Gambro Healthcare Inc, on August 12, 2005. These allegations include the State of
Texas’s allegations that (a) Gambro Healthcare Inc, from January 1, 1991 to December 1, 2004,
submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims to its [the State of Texas’s] Medicaid program,
seeking reimbursement for certain medications and tests that lacked medical necessity and/or lacked
the documentation to support medical necessity; (b) Gambro Healthcare Inc knowingly and willfully
offered to pay and/or paid to physicians illegal remuneration intended to induce physicians to refer
their patients to dialysis clinics owned and/or operated by Gambro Healthcare Inc, in violation of the
Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b), and applicable State anti-kickback statutes
and/or regulations, if any, (c ) Gambro Healthcare Inc submitted false claims to the State’s Medicaid
program for reimbursement, because Gambro Healthcare Inc certified on cost reports submitted to
Medicare fiscal intermediaries that services identified or summarized in each cost report were not
provided or procured through the payment directly or indirectly of a kickback or billed in violation of
law, and that Gambro Healthcare Inc submitted such claims for reimbursement to the State’s
Medicaid program despite and notwithstanding Gambro Healthcare Inc’s knowledge that the claims
were false, (d) Gambro Healthcare Inc knowingly and willfully offered to pay and/or paid to its Joint
Ventures in the form of distributions of income from the Joint Ventures, reduction or elimination of
losses incurred by the Joint Ventures, and the accumulation of equity interest in the Joint Ventures, (e)
the illegal remuneration paid by Gambro Healthcare Inc was intended to induce the Joint Venture
Partners to refer their ESRD patients to dialysis clinics owned by the Joint Ventures in which Gambro
Healthcare Inc had a significant financial interest, and (f) Gambro Healthcare Inc submitted such
claims for reimbursement to the State’s Medicaid program despite and notwithstanding Gambro
Healthcare Inc’s knowledge that the claims were false because the Joint Ventures forfeited their right
to bill the State’s Medicaid program for such services by paying remuneration intended to induce
referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b), and applicable
State anti-kickback statutes and/or regulations, if any, and the Joint Ventures were required to and did
certify on cost reports submitted to Medicare fiscal intermediaries that services identified or
summarized in each of the cost reports were not provided or procured through the payment directly or
indirectly of a kickback or billed in violation of law.
8.93. Davita Inc, Vivra Holdings Inc, Gambro Healthcare Inc, and DVA Renal Healthcare, have recklessly
tolerated, commanded, and ratified, the willful misconduct of Jay Grossman, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph C.
Mello, Charles W. Ott, and others acting in concert, in the hiring, retention, and “lulling”
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
inducements, willfully and wantonly directed at Plaintiffs and employed the U.S. mail and wire
facilities to accomplish these frauds, whose object was to conceal serial clinical research frauds and
insurance frauds at the “Vivra” Tucson, AZ facility between on or about April 22, 1997, and on or
about October 1, 1999.
8.94. Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, M.D., who was then the Dean of Albany Medical
College, Sepracor Inc, and others to be determined at trial, agreed with each other to commit
intentional acts and omissions to conceal the clinical research fraud and violence of Jay Grossman,
M.D., and Thomas B. Edwards, M.D., so as to provide both personal and financial gain for the
enterprise.
8.95. Albany Medical College recklessly tolerated, commanded, and ratified, the willful misconduct of
Anthony P. Tartaglia, M.D., Jay Grossman, M.D., Thomas B. Edwards, M.D., and others, so as to
conceal clinical research fraud, insurance fraud, and violence of Jay Grossman, M.D., and Thomas B.
Edwards, M.D., at Albany Medical College, so as to provide both personal and corporate financial
gain for the enterprise.
8.96. Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Sepracor Inc, and others, agreed with each other to
commit two or more overt acts and omissions to facilitate the relocation of Jay Grossman, M.D. from
Albany, NY to Tucson, AZ in the early 1990’s, and to facilitate the relocation of Thomas B. Edwards,
M.D. from Albany, NY to Pittsfield, MA in the late 1990’s, in order to obstruct justice, conceal
clinical research fraud and violence of Jay Grossman, M.D., and Thomas B. Edwards, M.D., and
provide ongoing personal and corporate financial gain for the enterprise.
8.97. Thomas B. Edwards, M.D., Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, and Sepracor Inc, are
collaterally estopped from denying the specific allegations of clinical research fraud found on Page 1,
Paragraph 2, of the Agreement with Respect to Use of Investigational New Drugs, signed by Thomas
B. Edwards, M.D. on January 22, 1998. This research fraud included allegation of failure to
“personally conduct or supervise the clinical investigation”, use of falsified “chest x-ray radiology
reports, which were used to qualify subjects” and falsified “EKG tracings” in Albany, NY, between
October 22 and December 23, 1997, for research that was conducted by Dr. Thomas B. Edwards. Dr
Edwards did not contest the above allegations. The falsified “EKG tracings” in Albany NY, between
October 22 and December 23, 1997, for research that was conducted by Dr Thomas B. Edwards, is
related (same motive, similar method, and similar victims) to the use of falsified EKG tracings in
Tucson, AZ for research that was conducted by Dr Jay Grossman, and posed a very real threat of
repetition (open-ended continuity). A “study buddy” is typically a former specialty practice patient
who is enrolled serially by Jay Grossman [or Thomas B. Edwards] in one clinical research study
after another. Between studies they became specialty practice patients again. Cross-over was
commonplace. See ¶ 8.44-8.51.
8.98. By information and belief, Thomas B. Edwards and Jay Grossman are both thought to have been
involved in clinical research studies in support of NDA # 20-837, levoalbuterol HCl inhalational
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 27
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
solution, that gained FDA approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01). They are also thought
to have been involved in clinical research studies in support of Supplemental New Drug Applications
for levoalbuterol HCl inhalational solution on behalf of Sepracor Inc.
8.99. FOI Services, Inc on 11/13/2003 (despite being originally requested on 12/20/2000), provided
Plaintiffs with the FDA “Endorsement” of January 22, 1998, FDA Establishment Inspection Report,
and FDA 483 Report, for the FDA inspection of 10/22-12/23/97, Thomas B. Edwards, M.D. at 215
Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY states, in part, “This was a clinical investigator/data
audit inspection assigned by CDER as a high priority user fee bimo assignment (T3 98-36). The EI
was performed in accordance with CP 7348.811. The assignment requested coverage of Dr. [Thomas
B.] Edwards relative to his conduct of a Sepracor (sponsor) study for NDA 20837, test article
Levalbuterol HC Inhalation solution. The EI revealed evidence of fraud, after which DSI requested
the EI be expanded to include additional studies, and provided a DSI Medical Officer to assist. 7
studies were covered.” “Coverage of the Sepracor study found source documents had been fabricated
and/or altered in order to qualify patients who would otherwise have been excluded from the study. 2
original subject records which reported the administration of Biaxin, an exclusion criteria, had been
removed from a clinic file, and a different clinical record which did not show the biaxin usage, had
been substituted; for four study subjects, the chest x-ray radiology reports used to qualify them for the
study, were not supported by x-ray films; chest x-ray radiology reports used to qualify three other
patients had date alterations which were not supported by x-ray films; EKG tracings for 8 of the 23
study subjects had unauthorized alterations; and test article accountability appears to have been
manipulated. Deficiencies regarding EKG records and test article accountability were also found for
two other studies.” By information and belief, 215 Washington Ave Extension is the physical address
of the Division of Allergy and Asthma at Albany Medical Center. See the affidavit and Exhibits to
this Amended Complaint.
8.100. Page 1, titled Summary of Findings for the 10/22-12/23/97 FDA Establishment Inspection Report,
states, “The inspection revealed source document fabrication and alteration to qualify patients for
study Zopen participation; clinic file record substitution for one patient to continue study Zopen
participation; source EKG record alterations; inadequate drug accountability; and protocol
violations.”
8.101. Albany Medical College (“AMC”), Anthony P. Tartaglia (“Tartaglia”), Jay Grossman, Thomas B.
Edwards (“Edwards”), Sepracor Inc (“Sepracor”) and others presently unknown to Plaintiffs, agreed
to obstruct justice, by the commission of overt acts to conceal the fraudulent clinical research and
insurance frauds of Jay Grossman, Thomas B. Edwards, Albany Medical College, and Sepracor
Inc, in support of the NDA # 20-837 for Xopenex Inhalation Solution, that gained FDA approval
on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01). A “study buddy” is typically a former specialty practice
patient who is enrolled serially by Jay Grossman in one clinical research study after another.
Between studies they became specialty practice patients again. Cross-over was commonplace.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Defendant Joanne C. Wray’s admission of upcoding and unnecessary procedures by Jay Grossman is
related and posed a definite threat of repetition (open-ended continuity). See ¶ 8.49, 8.62, and 8.68.
8.102. AMC, Tartaglia, and others acting in concert, agreed to bribe Jay Grossman into leaving Albany, NY,
during an on-going FDA inspection of Jay Grossman’s regulated conduct, by offering him the
position of Chief, Allergy Division, at Albany Medical College. The object of the agreement was to
conceal fraudulent clinical research and insurance fraud of Jay Grossman at Albany Medical College,
on behalf of corporate research sponsors presently unknown to Plaintiffs. AMC, Tartaglia, and others
acting in concert, offered Jay Grossman the bribe. Jay Grossman accepted the bribe and abruptly left
Albany, NY and relocated to Tucson, AZ. Plaintiffs were directly injured in their business and
property by reason of this misconduct (bribery, obstruction of justice, Travel Act violations), because
Plaintiffs subsequently became victims (in Tucson, AZ, Kilgore, TX, and Longview, TX) of Jay
Grossman’s substantive RICO act violations (see Counts One, Two, and Three), fraudulent hiring and
retention inducements, and violence (extortion, assault, and battery), pendant state law violations
(Count Four), and ongoing Constitutional tort (Count Seven). See ¶ 8.44-8.46. See also the Affidavit
and Exhibits to this Amended Complaint.
8.103. Jay Grossman, acting in concert with others presently unknown to Plaintiffs, employed a scheme or
artifice to defraud Robert M. Davidson, which made use of the U.S. mail to accomplish the fraud,
when he ran the classified advertisement in the July 15, 1998, edition of the Tucson Citizen, classified
section, entitled “Physician, Pharmaceutical Research”, in which he [they] sought to hire a key,
highly-qualified individual, with Davidsons’ credentials, for employment with “Vivra” in Tucson, AZ.
Plaintiffs detrimentally-relied upon the representations of legitimate employment found in the
advertisement. Plaintiffs sustained direct by reason of injury to their business and property due to this
fraudulent hiring inducement. This fraudulent hiring inducement was related (similar method, motive,
and victims) to the fraudulent hiring, retention, and “lulling” inducements of Kent J. Thiry and Joseph
C. Mello, which also made use of the U.S. mail to accomplish the fraud, which were directly targeted
at Robert M. Davidson. These fraudulent hiring, retention, and “lulling” inducements posed a definite
threat of repetition (open-ended continuity). Jay Grossman, Kent J. Thiry, and Joseph C. Mello,
intended the consequences of their fraudulent acts. The consequences of their fraudulent acts were
readily foreseeable. These fraudulent acts (and omissions) were intended to provide personal and
corporate financial gain for the enterprise.
8.104. By information and belief, Timothy G. Wighton (former Vice President, Clinical Research, for
“Vivra”) can be placed in Albany, NY (10 Madison Place, Albany, NY) during the same time that Jay
Grossman and Eudice Grossman lived in Albany, NY. By information and belief, Gayle F. Petrillo
(former Practice Manager for “Vivra”) can be placed in New York (10 Biscayne Drive, Latham, NY)
during the same time that Jay Grossman and Eudice Grossman lived in Albany, NY. By information
and belief, Petrillo’s sister (Lisa M. Petrillo) lived in Albany, NY (178 Brevator Street, Albany, NY
12206). Timothy G. Wighton actually lived in Albany, NY (10 Madison Place, Albany, NY) and was
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
affiliated with Albany Medical College. By information and belief, Timothy G. Wighton and Joseph
C. Mello are the “Vivra” executives who made the decision to hire Jay Grossman. William H. Ziering,
M.D. had to surrender his New York medical license (#080678) on November 5, 2001, after his
criminal mail fraud indictment (May 25, 2000, in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Claifornia
Case # 1:00-cr-05212-OWW-1), conviction, and prison sentence (beginning July 1, 2002) for clinical
research fraud in Fresno, CA.
COUNT THREE
9. Plaintiffs here repeat the allegations in paragraphs 1-8 of this Amended Complaint, and incorporate here by
reference the allegations found in paragraphs 16-90.
10. Defendant Jay Grossman, Defendant Eudice Grossman, Defendant Gayle F. Petrillo, Defendant Charles
W. Ott, Defendant Joanne C. Wray, Defendant Kent J. Thiry, Defendant Joseph C. Mello, Defendant Anthony
P. Tartaglia, Defendant Michael J. Meehan, Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin, Defendant Vivra Holdings Inc,
Defendant Gambro Healthcare Inc, Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Defendant Davita Inc, Defendant
Sepracor Inc, and Defendant Albany Medical College, as persons within the meaning of 18 U.S.C.A. Section
1961(3), and as persons employed by or associated with said “Vivra” enterprise, agreed with each other to
conduct or participate in the violation of the substantive RICO statute, specifically 18 U.S.C.A. Section
1962(b) and 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962(c), in violation of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962(d). These Defendants
agreed with each other to conceal fraud by means of bribery, provision of stock ownership, stock options, mail
fraud, wire fraud, Travel Act violations, Hobbs Act violations, and obstructions of justice. See ¶ 8.5, 8.66,
8.67, 6, 8.14, 8.28, 8.70, 8.18, 8.20, 8.93, 8.41-8.44, 8.29, 8.67, 8.79, 8.94–8.104 of this Amended Complaint.
11. Through the commission of two or more of the enumerated predicate acts that constitute a pattern of
racketeering activity, Defendants directly or indirectly participated in the conduct of said “Vivra” enterprise the
activities of which affect interstate commerce.
12. Plaintiffs (Robert M. Davidson, M.D. and Vanessa E. Komar R.N., husband and wife), were jointly injured
in their business and property by reason of such conduct by Defendants that was violative of the substantive
RICO statute. Defendants are jointly and severally liable to Plaintiffs.
13. These acts of racketeering, occurring within ten years of one another, constitute a pattern of racketeering
activity within the meaning of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1961(5).
14. Plaintiffs were jointly injured in their business or property by reason of these violations of 18 U.S.C.A.
Section 1962, in that, as a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s complained of acts, Plaintiffs jointly
suffered actual damages to Plaintiffs’ business and property in excess of $5,000,000.00, including and not
limited to: damage to Plaintiffs’ professional reputations through association with “Vivra’s” fraudulent
Medicare, Medicaid, and clinical research practices. By reason of the fraudulent representations to Davidson in
the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY MEMO and Employees Handbook as to legitimacy and freedom from
violence of its operations, Davidson would not have accepted and continued employment with Vivra in
Tucson, AZ, Plaintiffs would not have been delayed and hindered in their business and occupations, would not
have lost a great deal of time from it, would not have been deprived of gains and profits which they would
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
have acquired, had they not been injured as stated, Davidson would not have missed out on numerous
legitimate employment opportunities, Davidson would not have been unemployed for a substantial length of
time after his employment with Vivra was constructively terminated on May 11, 1999, Plaintiffs would not
have lost substantial income over the last 8 years, including a fully executed employment contract in 2001, in
Bentonville, AR, Plaintiffs would not have sustained damage to presently-enjoyed business relationships,
damage to prospective business relationships, inability to readily obtain liability insurance, inability to readily
obtain new state medical licensures, loss of investments, loss of investment income, loss of liberty, loss of
Plaintiffs’ intangible right to the good and honest services of the Defendants, and loss of Plaintiffs intangible
right to freely conduct one’s lawful business, Plaintiffs would not have incurred substantial legal expenses
(including attorney’s fees and costs and Westlaw charges), Plaintiffs would not have incurred substantial debt,
and Plaintiffs would not have been forced to file for Chapter 7 relief in the Bankruptcy Court. See the letter of
December 19, 2000, from the Arkansas State Medical Board to Robert Michael Davidson, M.D., the letter of
January 22, 2001, from Robert Davidson, M.D. to Mark Bever, CEO of Bates Medical Center, Bentonville,
AR, and the letter of February 23, 2005, from Micole Matyas of National City Mortgage to Robert Davidson
and Vanessa Komar, Re: Inquiry for Lot Land Refinance. See the federal PACER docket filings for Plaintiffs’
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filing, on October 5, 2005, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Texas,
Tyler Division, (05-62258). See the true and correct copies of Plaintiffs’ checks for payment of attorney’s fees
and costs to attorney Michael Markley, attorney Michael J. Meehan, attorney Kenneth Haber, and the law firm
Quarles Brady Streich & Lang. See the statement of fees paid by Plaintiffs to Westlaw. Defendants’ tortuous
conduct was a “substantial factor in the sequence of responsible causation.” The fraudulent representations
as to legitimacy and freedom from violence of its operations found in the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
MEMO and the December 12, 1995 revision of the Employees Handbook as to legitimacy and freedom from
violence of Vivra’s operations were targeted directly at Robert M. Davidson, on or about September 1, 1998.
See the FEDEX Airbill from September 3, 1998, from Aaron Risen of Vivra Physicians Services, 1941 Bishop
Ln, Ste. 501, Louisville, KY 40218, addressed to Robert Davidson, M.D. at 2427 East 1st Street, Tucson, AZ
85719. See the letter of August 21, 1998, from Maylene R. Nafrada of Vivra Specialty Partners, 1850 Gateway
Drive, Suite 500, San Mateo, CA 94404, addressed to Robert Davidson, M.D. at 2427 East 1st Street, Tucson,
AZ 85719, sent VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS. See the letter of August 14, 1998, from Maylene R. Nafrada of
Vivra Specialty Partners, 1850 Gateway Drive, Suite 500, San Mateo, CA 94404, addressed to Robert
Davidson, M.D. at 2427 East 1st Street, Tucson, AZ 85719, Sent VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS. See the
Employee Receipt & Acknowledgement Form signed by Robert M. Davidson on September 1, 1998. See the
“To New Employees” letter of Kent J. Thiry of Vivra at 1850 Gateway Drive, Suite 500, San Mateo, CA
94404, included in the October 1998 revision of the Vivra Employee Handbook. See the “To New Employees”
letter of Joseph C. Mello of Vivra Asthma & Allergy, 150 South Pine Island Road, Suite 520, Plantation, FL
33324, included in the October 1998 revision of the Vivra Employee Handbook. See the “Welcome to Vivra”
letter of Kent J. Thiry, President and Chief Executive Officer, included in the December 12, 1995 revision of
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
the Vivra Employee Handbook which was part of the “Vivra” New Employee Packet Information Checklist,
addressed to Robert Davidson, M.D. on or about September 1, 1998.
15. By reason of Defendants’ violations of 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1962, Plaintiffs (Robert M. Davidson and
Vanessa E. Komar, husband and wife) are jointly entitled, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.A. Section 1964(c), to
threefold the damages sustained or $15,000,000.00, with interest thereof at 10% per annum, and a reasonable
attorney’s fee and costs in connection herewith. Defendants are jointly and severally liable to Plaintiffs for this
sum.
COUNT FOUR
PENDANT STATE LAW CLAIMS FOR FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION,
BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY, AND CIVIL CONSPIRACY
16. Plaintiffs here repeat the allegations found in paragraphs 1-15 of this Amended Complaint and incorporate
here by reference the allegations found in paragraphs 22 - 90 below.
17. Charles W. Ott, Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Gayle F. Petrillo, Joanne C. Wray, Kent J. Thiry, Joseph
C. Mello, Michael J. Meehan, Bruce R. Heurlin, Vivra Holding Inc, Gambro Healthcare Inc, Albany Medical
College, and Sepracor Inc, acting by agreement (to conceal fraud and/or to obstruct justice) and in concert with
each other and with others, made or caused to be made misrepresentations or omissions (including fraudulent
hiring and retention inducements) with fraudulent intent or scienter. These fraudulent hiring and retention
inducements were directed at Robert M. Davidson, M.D. The misrepresentations or omissions were material
to Plaintiffs’ decision for Robert M. Davidson, M.D. to accept or continue employment at the 698 E. Wetmore
Road, Tucson, AZ clinical research facility, from on or about September 1,1998, until on or about May 11,
1999. Plaintiffs reasonably relied on the misrepresentations or omissions. Plaintiffs jointly suffered injury as a
result of Plaintiffs’ reliance on the misrepresentations or omissions. Plaintiffs detrimentally relied on
“Vivra’s” misrepresentations or omissions as to legitimacy and freedom from violence of its operations, and
damage to Plaintiffs’ professional reputations was foreseeable result of various racketeering acts of wire
and mail fraud. “Vivra” fraudulently induced Robert M. Davidson, M.D. to accept and continue
employment via mail and wire fraud, thereby damaging Plaintiffs’ reputations through association with
“Vivra’s” fraudulent Medicare, Medicaid, and clinical research practices. Plaintiffs allege a combination of
two or more persons acting with a common purpose to do an unlawful act or do a lawful act in an unlawful
means or for an unlawful purpose; an overt act done in pursuant of the common purpose; and actual legal
damage. Plaintiffs incorporate here by reference ¶s 8.94-8.104, and ¶s 14, 54, 58-62, 69, 86, 87, of this
Amended Complaint.
18. Albany Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, M.D., then the Dean of Albany Medical College, Sepracor
Inc, and others, had an ethical, moral, and legal duty to report Jay Grossman’s misconduct in Albany, NY to
appropriate state and/or federal regulators. By information and belief, Jay Grossman, M.D., and Thomas B.
Edwards, M.D., are thought to have been employees of Albany Medical College Allergy Division in
conducting certain clinical research studies in support of New Drug Applications by Big Pharma corporations
(including Sepracor Inc) in Albany, NY. See the Affidavit and Exhibits to this Amended Complaint.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 32
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
19. By information and belief, Albany Medical College, Sepracor Inc, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Thomas B.
Edwards, William H. Ziering, Joanne C. Wray, Timothy G. Wighton, Gayle F. Petrillo, Charles W. Ott, and
Joseph C. Mello, are thought to have had actual knowledge of the allegations of violence and clinical research
fraud at Albany Medical College leveled against Jay Grossman by Richard Ball, M.D., David Shulan, M.D.,
and Scott Osur, M.D., in a sworn affidavit in Albany County Case # 2960-91, on December 6, 1994. By
information and belief, Albany Medical College, Sepracor Inc, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Timothy G. Wighton,
Gayle F. Petrillo, and Charles W. Ott, are thought to have had actual knowledge of the FDA Disqualification of
Thomas B. Edwards for clinical research fraud at Albany Medical College. By information and belief, Albany
Medical College, Anthony P. Tartaglia, Thomas B. Edwards, Sepracor Inc, William H. Ziering, Joanne C.
Wray, Timothy G. Wighton, and Joseph C. Mello, acting by agreement to conceal fraud, in concert with each
other and with others to be determined at trial, committed overt acts or omissions that: (a) facilitated the
relocation of Jay Grossman’s “research” practice from Albany, NY to Tucson, AZ, (b) facilitated the
relocation of Thomas B. Edwards’ “research” practice from Albany, NY to Pittsfield, MA, and (c ) facilitated
the relocation of Joanne C. Wray’s (formerly known as Joanne C. Siegel) “research” practice from Fresno, CA
to Tucson, AZ.
20. Because Plaintiffs were jointly injured by Defendants’ violations, detailed above, and because the intent
was knowing, or willing, or reckless, or malicious, or with improper motive (personal and/or corporate
financial gain), Plaintiffs seek actual damages (including damages for personal injury and economic injury),
punitive damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees from Defendants, and any other relief as this Court
may deem appropriate. Defendants are jointly and severally liable to Plaintiffs.
21. Defendants made representations or omissions (including fraudulent hiring and retention inducements) to
Plaintiffs; the representations or omissions were material; the representations or omissions were false; when
Defendants made the representations or omissions, they knew the representations or omissions were false, or
made them recklessly, as positive assertions, and without knowledge of their truth; Defendants made the
representations or omissions with the intent that Plaintiffs act on them; Plaintiffs relied on the representations
or omissions; and the representations caused Plaintiffs injury. Defendants’ fraudulent misrepresentations or
omissions consisted of nondisclosure of material facts when there was a duty to do so. Defendants had a duty
to speak and deliberately remained silent. There was a special relationship that required disclosure. There was
a fiduciary relationship between Plaintiff (Robert M. Davidson, M.D.) and Defendants, that required
Defendants to disclose material facts. Defendants made representations or omissions to Plaintiffs knowing that
they were false. Defendants intended for Plaintiffs to rely on the representations or omissions. Defendants
desired to cause the consequences of their acts or omissions. Plaintiffs actually relied upon the representations
or omissions, that is, plaintiffs knew of the representations or omissions and acted upon them. Plaintiffs
believed the false representations or omissions when they acted on them. Plaintiffs did not have a duty to use
due diligence to discover whether the representations or omissions were fraudulent. Plaintiffs changed their
position for the worse. The representations and omissions caused injury. Plaintiffs (Robert M. Davidson and
Vanessa E. Komar, husband and wife) jointly seek both direct and consequential damages. The frauds
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 33
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
proximately caused the damages. The frauds were a substantial factor in bringing about the damages, without
which the damages would not have occurred, and a person of ordinary intelligence would have foreseen that
the damages might result from the frauds. Plaintiffs suffered [and continue to suffer] injury, both pecuniary and
physical (mental anguish). Plaintiffs (Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar, husband and wife) jointly
seek actual damages (including damages for economic injury and personal injury), punitive damages, interest,
court costs, and attorney’s fees, and any other relief as this Court may deem appropriate. Defendants are jointly
and severally liable to Plaintiffs.
COUNT FIVE
MOTION FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF UNDER 28 U.S.C. SECTION 2201 AND 2202
22. Plaintiffs repeat here paragraphs 1-21 to this Amended Complaint, and incorporate here by reference the
allegations found in paragraphs 36 - 90 below.
23. This Court has jurisdiction over a general constitutional challenge to the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (a
renewable Act of Congress, in which the harms enabled by federal action under color of the PDUFA are
capable of repetition, yet evade review) that does not require a review of a final state court decision in a
particular case. The declaratory relief requested by this Count (Count Five) is supplemental to the coercive
relief prayed for in Counts One, Two, Three, Four, and Seven.
24. The Plaintiffs to this Count (Count Five) are Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar (collectively “the
Davidsons”), husband and wife. The Defendants to this Count (Count Five) are Defendant Jay Grossman,
Defendant Eudice Grossman, Defendant Gayle F. Petrillo, Defendant Charles W. Ott, Defendant Joanne C.
Wray, Defendant Anthony P. Tartaglia, Defendant Kent J. Thiry, Defendant Joseph C. Mello, Defendant
Michael J. Meehan, Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin, Defendant Vivra Holdings Inc, Defendant Gambro
Healthcare Inc, Defendant DVA Renal Healthcare Inc, Defendant Davita Inc, Defendant Albany Medical
College, and Defendant Sepracor Inc.
25. As applied to the Plaintiffs, the Prescription Drug User Fee Act is repugnant to the U.S. Constitution under
the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
26. Plaintiffs incorporate here by reference paragraphs 8.64 - 8.67, paragraphs 8.80 - 8.89, and paragraphs 8.94
- 8.104, to this Amended Complaint.
27. Plaintiffs’ federal Constitutional injury can be fairly traced to the challenged action and is likely to be
redressed by a favorable decision by this Court. Plaintiffs’ have suffered injury in fact. Defendants conduct,
acting by agreement, and in concert with others to be determined at trial, caused Plaintiffs’ injury.
28. Plaintiffs have Article III standing to make this motion for declaratory relief. Plaintiffs were adversely
affected by application of the PDUFA to Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs have suffered palpable economic injury to their
business and property by reason of an invidiously discriminatory application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs.
The PDUFA has the effect of encouraging physicians acting as either principal investigators or
subinvestigators in clinical research studies, to violate the Oath of Hippocrates by not “blowing the whistle”
whenever the PDUFA is applied (selectively enforced) to conceal clinical research fraud and obstruct justice, in
order to gain expedited FDA review and market approval for the FDA’s Big Pharma corporate clients. Clinical
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 34
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
research subjects have been endangered, injured, and died, by reason of the PDUFA (in its various enactments
I, II, III, IV, etc). U.S. citizens who have been exposed to certain unsafe FDA-approved drugs have been
intentionally endangered, injured, and died, by reason of application (selective enforcement) of the PDUFA to
the review and approval for marketing of certain unsafe drugs by the FDA, e.g. vioxx-associated deaths and
injuries, rezulin-associated deaths and injuries, lotronex-associated deaths and injuries, and others. This is a
case of actual controversy wherein the threat of continuing violations and future injuries are capable of
repetition, yet has evaded constitutional review. By reason of the misconduct of the Defendants to this lawsuit,
Plaintiffs have suffered direct injury to their business and property. Plaintiffs allege direct conspiracy injury to
their business and property by reason of an agreement between the Defendants and others to conceal fraud and
obstruct justice. Plaintiffs have alleged in this Amended Complaint overt acts by or caused by the Defendants
acting in concert with each other and in concert with others who are presently unknown to the Plaintiffs,
knowingly intended to achieve the object of expedited review and marketing approvals by FDA, under color of
the PDUFA, for personal and/or corporate financial gain.
29. Paragraph 2, Page 1 of the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99 states “This inspection report was delayed
due to a PDUFA report.” This delay was willful and directly targeted at the Plaintiffs. As applied to the
Plaintiffs, the PDUFA is repugnant to the U.S. Constitution under the Equal Protection clause of the Fifth
Amendment.
30. By delaying the publication of the FDA Tucson, AZ EIR of 5/5-6/28/99, the PDUFA II substantially
delayed the time at which Plaintiffs could begin to seek a legal remedy against Defendants. This “delay” was
intentional and directly targeted at the Plaintiffs. This “delay” inured greatly to the benefit of Defendants, Big
Pharma corporations [including Sepracor Inc], the “Vivra” enterprise [including Sepracor Inc], and the FDA
[employees acting in their official capacity], while inuring greatly to the detriment of Plaintiffs.
31. Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was motivated by invidiously discriminatory animus.
Application of the PDUFA to the Plaintiffs was intended to conceal the fraudulent clinical research of Jay
Grossman, Thomas B. Edwards, Albany Medical College, and Sepracor Inc, in support of the NDA # 20-
837 for Xopenex Inhalation Solution, that gained FDA approval on 3/25/99 (review was posted on 6/20/01).
32. “Expedited” market approvals of New Drug Applications by the FDA took place during this “delay” and
during the pendency of the ostensibly ongoing criminal investigation of Jay Grossman’s conduct by the
Criminal Division of the FDA. The FDA approval of the NDA # 20-837 for Xopenex Inhalational Solution,
was based in part upon fraudulent (seriously flawed) clinical research by Thomas B. Edwards in Albany, NY at
Albany Medical College.
33. There is a recurring pattern of expedited market “approvals” of New Drug Applications by the FDA, while
both routine and “for cause” investigations of clinical research establishments are selectively “delayed”
[intentionally “stone-walled”] under color of PDUFA I, II, III, and soon the PDUFA IV.
34. The Principal Investigator [Jay Grossman] was terminated for cause on July 30, 1999, by Vivra Inc, yet the
FDA report on 7/10/2000 states, “Review of the records found no deviations…”
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 35
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
35. The FDA Tucson AZ EIRs of 5/5-6/28/99 and 7/6-10/2000 made no findings that in any way deterred Big
Pharma corporations (including Sepracor Inc) from proceeding under the PDUFA II [now under the PDUFA
III] to gain expedited FDA “review” and market approval of their products. See paragraphs 8.94 - 8.104 to this
Amended Complaint.
36. The relief Plaintiffs seek by this Count (Count Five) is a holding by this Court that the Prescription Drug
User Fee Act, as applied to the Davidsons, is violative of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment
of the U.S. Constitution, and therefore held by this Court to be unconstitutional.
COUNT SIX
MOTION FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF UNDER 28 U.S.C. SECTION 2201 AND SECTION 2202
37. Plaintiffs repeat here paragraphs 1-36 to this Amended Complaint, and incorporate here by reference the
allegations found in paragraphs 43 - 90 below.
38. This Court has jurisdiction over a general constitutional challenge to Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure
Rule 5.1 that does not require a review of a final state court decision in a particular case. The declaratory relief
requested by this Count (Count Six) is supplemental to the coercive relief prayed for in Counts One, Two,
Three, Four, and Seven.
39. The Plaintiffs to this Count (Count Six) are Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar (collectively “the
Davidsons”), husband and wife. The Defendants to this Count (Count Six) are Defendant Jay Grossman,
Defendant Eudice Grossman, Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin (counsel of record for Jay Grossman and Eudice
Grossman in the Arizona state court proceedings), and Defendant Michael J. Meehan (former retained counsel
of record for Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar in the Arizona state court proceedings).
40. Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1 is repugnant to the U.S. Constitution. There is no ongoing Arizona
state court proceeding. Division II Arizona Court of Appeals has affirmed the final judgments of the Arizona
trial court. The Arizona Supreme denied Petition for Review. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied certiorari.
41. Plaintiffs allege an ongoing actual case or controversy.
42. Plaintiffs’ federal Constitutional injury in the State Action can be fairly traced to the challenged action and
is likely to be redressed by a favorable decision. Plaintiffs are suffering continuing present adverse effects
(continuous constitutional tort and continuous jeopardy) by reason of decisions in the State Action.
43. Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure 5.1 is flagrantly and patently violative of express constitutional
provisions. Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 5.1 is facially unconstitutional. Arizona Rules of Civil
Procedure Rule 5.1 is unconstitutional as applied to the Davidsons in the Arizona state court proceedings.
44. The relief Plaintiffs seek by this Count (Count Six) is a holding by this Court that Arizona Rules of Civil
Procedure, Rule 5.1 is repugnant to the U.S. Constitution and therefore held by this Court to be
unconstitutional.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 36
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
COUNT SEVEN
SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM FOR VIOLATION OF 42 U.S.C. SECTION 1983 AND SECTION 1985
45. Plaintiffs repeat here by reference paragraphs 1 – 44, and incorporate here by reference the allegations
found in paragraphs 87 - 90 below.
46. Plaintiffs do not seek vacatur or review of the “final judgments” in the State court proceeding. Plaintiffs to
this Count (Count Seven) are Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar (collectively “the Davidsons”),
husband and wife. Defendants to this Count (Count Seven) are Defendant Jay Grossman, Defendant Eudice
Grossman, Defendant Bruce R. Heurlin, and Defendant Michael J. Meehan.
47. Robert M. Davidson and Vanessa E. Komar were prevented from raising their federal damages claim in the
state court proceedings.
48. Plaintiffs were denied a full and fair opportunity to litigate their constitutional challenge to Arizona Rule of
Civil Procedure 5.1.
49. There was never actual consideration of and a decision on the issues presented in the state court
proceedings.
50. Plaintiffs have suffered actual injury as a result of the illegal conduct of Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman,
Bruce R. Heurlin (“BRH”), Michael J. Meehan (“MJM”), and Jane L. Eikleberry (“JLE”, the Arizona trial
court judge) in the Arizona state court proceedings (“the State Action”). Plaintiffs were the specifically-
targeted victims of this illegal conduct.
51. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Quarles Brady Streich & Lang (MJM’s new law firm, “QBSL”), BRH,
MJM, and JLE, were willful participants in joint activity with the State of Arizona or its agents.
52. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, QBSL, BRH, and MJM, conspired with Arizona trial court judge JLE to
deprive Plaintiffs of Constitutional rights under color of Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1 and there was
State Action.
53. The State Actors (Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, QBSL, BRH, MJM, and JLE) deprived Plaintiffs of
federally-protected rights under color of Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.
54. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, QBSL, BRH, MJM, and JLE, agreed with each other to conceal fraud by
knowingly committing overt acts in furtherance of this objective for personal, political, and corporate financial
gain. By reason of this corrupt conspiracy, Davidsons suffered direct injury to their business and property.
55. Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, QBSL, BRH, MJM, and JLE, were State Actors in the Arizona state
court proceedings. Plaintiffs allege the state involvement necessary to transform the private acts of Jay
Grossman, Eudice Grossman, QBSL, BRH, MJM, and JLE, into State Action covered by 42 U.S.C. Section
1983 and Section 1985.
56. After MJM changed law firms (he joined the law firm of Quarles Brady Streich Lang (“QBSL”) during his
representation of the Davidsons in State court proceedings), he stated in writing in a letter of January 15, 2001,
from MJM to the Davidsons, “I do not expect this [his change in law firm] to affect or impair in any way my
ability to continue effective representation for you.”.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 37
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
57. MJM and QBSL abandoned their clients (the Davidsons) with their Motion to Withdraw, just four months
before the scheduled trial date, under color of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure 5.1.
58. In retrospect, it is a reasonable inference to postulate that both MJM’s employment with the law firm
QBSL and MJM’s candidacy for positions on the Arizona bench, were bribes and that these bribes (and
MJM’s acceptance of these bribes) were overt acts to conceal a racketeering conspiracy which has been
ongoing for nearly two decades, in both New York and Arizona.
59. MJM’s and QBSL’s Motion to Withdraw as counsel of record (December 17, 2001), when viewed against
the backdrop of the Prosecution Memorandum (November 20, 2000) provides prima facie evidence of actual
malice and willful misconduct by the attorney (MJM) and his law firm (QBSL) towards his clients
(Davidsons). There was not “good cause appearing therefore” upon which to base the Trial Judge’s (JLE’s)
Order of January 11, 2002. The reasons given for attorney withdrawal are false. MJM and QBSL have
defrauded the Trial Court by alleging that ethical considerations motivated their Motion to Withdraw. MJM
and QBSL actually slandered their then clients (the Davidsons) in their Motion to Withdraw, by maliciously
characterizing their clients’ objectives as being unprofessional, imprudent, unethical, and repugnant. This
intentional misrepresentation inflicted irreparable harm upon the Davidsons once the motion was filed. By
information and belief, MJM and QBSL knew the substance and content of the Prosecution Memorandum,
prior to filing their Motion to Withdraw as counsel of record. Yet, QBSL and MJM agreed with each other to
continue to refuse to bring Arizona fraud, Arizona RICO, and federal RICO actions, on behalf of their then
clients, the Davidsons, despite repeated requests by the Davidsons to bring such actions. Davidsons did not
realize at the time that the object of the aforementioned repeated refusals to bring fraud and racketeering
actions on behalf of their clients, and the object of their Motion to Withdraw, was not solely to permanently
deprive the Davidsons of a legal remedy for the injuries wrought upon them by the Grossmans and others
acting in concert, and avoid their contractual and professional responsibility to the Davidsons, just four months
before the scheduled trial date, but was also intended to conceal the racketeering conspiracy which had been
ongoing for nearly two decades, in both New York and Arizona, and facilitate MJM’s candidacy for
anticipated vacancies in the Arizona Supreme Court and Division II Arizona Court of Appeals.
60. Davidsons allege extrinsic fraud in the procurement of final judgement in the Arizona court proceedings.
61. Davidsons allege a corrupt conspiracy in the Arizona State court proceedings (“the State Action”) between
MJM, BRH, Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, and JLE to deprive Davidsons of Constitutionally-protected
fundamental rights in property (their retained legal counsel in civil lawsuit) and liberty (a bargained-for benefit
of entering into a retainer agreement with MJM).
62. JLE was a joint participant in the corrupt conspiracy to defraud the whistle blower (Davidson) and deprive
Davidsons of constitutional rights. JLE had actual knowledge that there was not “good cause appearing
therefore” upon which to base the Order of January 11, 2002. So too did certain named Division II Judges and
Arizona Supreme Court justices have personal, extrajudicially acquired knowledge of disputed evidentiary
facts concerning Davidsons’ attorney (MJM). These judges had actual knowledge that MJM’s and QBSL’s
Motion to Withdraw was in no way motivated by “good cause”. To the contrary, the trial judge and named
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 38
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Division II Judges and Supreme Court Justices, had personal, extrajudicially-acquired knowledge that the
Motion to Withdraw as Counsel of Record was a willful, malicious violation of Davidsons’ civil rights,
motivated by bad faith (evil intent), an improper motive (personal political and financial gain), and with
deliberate reckless indifference to the federally-protected rights of the Davidsons.
63. The State trial court’s signed Order of January 11, 2002, denied the Davidsons important Constitutional
rights including the right to Due Process, right to Equal Protection, right to Contract, right to freedom from
arbitrary Takings, and the presently-enjoyed right to retained legal counsel in a civil proceeding.
64. MJM’s candidacy for the Arizona bench while Davidsons’ interlocutory appeal was pending gives rise to
estoppel as a matter of law.
65. Intentional discrimination in the dismissal of Davidsons’ retained counsel is a grave constitutional trespass,
possible only under color of state authority, and wholly within the power of the state to prevent.
66. The coerced dismissal of Davidsons’ retained counsel by fiat of the trial court vitiates the judgment
because it violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
67. Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure 5.1 is flagrantly and patently violative of express constitutional
provisions. Davidsons were denied federal constitutional rights by State Action under color of Ariz. R. Civ. P.
Rule 5.1(A)(2)(B) and (C ) in the State court proceeding.
68. A civil litigant has a Constitutional right to retain hired counsel. There is a Constitutionally-guaranteed
right to retain hired counsel in civil matters under the due process clause of Fourteenth Amendment. Subject to
certain limitations, right to counsel expressly guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment in criminal cases, is no less
fundamental in civil cases and springs from both statutory authority and from the constitutional right to due
process of law.
69. Davidsons were deprived of the presently-enjoyed benefit of retained counsel in an ongoing civil
proceeding without procedural due process. The process that was due is, at minimum, a hearing. There was no
such hearing afforded the Davidsons. The opposing legal counsel (MJM, QBSL, and BRH) simply agreed
between themselves and with the Court (JLE) under color of Ariz. R. Civ. P., rule 5.1, and there was State
Action.
70. To say that there is generally no constitutional right to retained counsel in civil cases is a statement of such
broad scope and sweep that it would undermine many, if not all, of the basic foundations upon which our legal
system rests.
71. Ariz. R. Civ. P., rule 5.1 (A)(2)(B) and (C ), subrogates client’s rights to those of their attorney’s based
upon a conclusive presumption of the trial judge. It creates a constitutionally-impermissible unequal
classification of clients and attorneys. It provides none of the citizens of the State of Arizona with
constitutionally-guaranteed protections of presently-enjoyed property and liberty interests in their retained
legal counsel.
72. Every Arizona citizen is vulnerable to the same federal constitutional deprivation, because clause (ii) of
Ariz. R. Civ. P. Rule 5.1(A)(2)(C ) is written as a disjunctive condition, that is it reads, [in pertinent part], “…,
or (ii) unless the court is satisfied for good cause shown that the attorney should be permitted to withdraw.”
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 39
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
This statutory construction renders Ariz. R. Civ. P. Rule 5.1 to be “flagrantly and patently” violative of express
Constitutional protections. There is no hearing or certification process afforded to clients to protect client’s
rights. There is no protection against the risk of error by the state. The consequence of error is substantial. Ariz.
R. Civ. P. rule 5.1 is not reasonably susceptible of a limiting construction that would avoid the constitutional
question posed in this case, because its language is plain and its meaning unambiguous. It nowhere makes a
hearing or certification process mandatory to protect client’s rights from wrongful deprivation.
73. The Trial Court in the State court proceeding summarily absolved MJM and QBSL of their contractual and
professional responsibility to their clients at the precise moment of their clients’ greatest need, i.e., just before
trial, under Ariz. R. Civ. P. Rule 5.1(A)(2)(B) and (C ).
74. There is a Constitutionally-protected property and liberty interest in retained legal counsel in civil lawsuits.
75. The State Court system of Arizona created a constitutionally-impermissible unequal “classification” of
clients vis a vis their attorneys, when Ariz. R. Civ. P. rule 5.1(A)(2)(B) and (C ) was enacted.
76. Ariz. R. Civ. P. rule 5.1 and the state action complained of had a disproportionate or discriminatory impact,
and also the action was taken with intent to discriminate, so as to permanently deny their clients a legal remedy
for the crimes alleged in the federal court proceedings and avoid their contractual and professional
responsibility to their clients, just 4 months before the scheduled trial date.
77. MJM’s and QBSL’s conduct, under color of Ariz. R. Civ. P. Rule 5.1, was intentionally harmful to
Davidsons, or otherwise deliberately inconsistent with their obligations to Davidsons, so as to be a voluntary
excursion outside the scope of their duties. Liability attaches to MJM, QBSL, JLE, and BRH, under 42 U.S.C.
Section 1983 and 1985, since the acts complained of were done outside the scope of their duty.
78. Coerced dismissal of Davidsons’ retained legal counsel by fiat of the trial court under color of Arizona
Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1 may be viewed a punitive sanction.
79. The Arizona trial court judge JLE actually refused to litigate Davidsons’ Amended Answer to First
Amended Complaint and Counterclaims, filed on or about February 26, 2004, in the Arizona state court
proceedings. Davidsons aggressively pursued all available means to secure state-court decision of federal
issues presented to the state court, including interlocutory appeal to Division II from the State trial court’s
Order of January 1, 2002, which coerced the dismissal of Davidsons’ retained counsel of record, by fiat of the
trial court just 4 months before the scheduled trial date, under color of Ariz. R. Civ. P. Rule 5.1.
80. The Arizona state court remedy for redressing the wrong was woefully inadequate, both in form and in
substance.
81. Plaintiffs have suffered an intentional deprivation of property and liberty without Due Process.
82. There was a meeting of the minds concerning unconstitutional conduct, and an express agreement between
the purported conspirators (Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman, BRH, JLE, QBSL, and MJM).
83. A genuine actual issue of concerted activity toward an unlawful objective is alleged.
84. Substantial direct injury to Plaintiffs’ business and property occurred by reason of the State Action and
“final judgments” in the Arizona state court proceeding.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 40
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
85. By reason of violations of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and Section 1985, by Jay Grossman, Eudice Grossman,
Bruce R. Heurlin, Michael J. Meehan, Jane L. Eikleberry, Quarles Brady Streich & Lang, and others, in the
State Action, Davidsons would not have been subjected to sanctions (including the striking of Plaintiffs’
Counterclaims) and a default judgment in the State court proceeding (“the State Action”) for $7.8 million.
86. By reason of constitutional errors, corrupt conspiracy, extrinsic fraud and collusion in the procurement of
final judgment, lack of Due Process, agreement to conceal fraud, and concerted acts to conceal fraud of Jay
Grossman, Eudice Grossman, Bruce R. Heurlin, Michael J. Meehan, Jane L. Eikleberry, and others, in the
State Action, Davidsons would not have been subjected to sanctions (including the striking of Plaintiffs’
Counterclaims) and a default judgment in the State court proceeding (“the State Action”) for $7.8 million. See
Issue #1 and #2 of Davidsons’ Petition for Writ of Mandamus (U.S. Supreme Court Docket # 06-397,
mandamus denied on November 27, 2006).
87. By reason of deprivation of Davidsons’ Constitutional right to Due Process and Equal Protection under the
Fourteenth Amendment in the State Action, Davidsons would not have suffered injury to their business and
property, additional injury (injury which is additional to the injury to Plaintiffs alleged in Counts One, Two,
Three, Four, and Seven of the Amended Complaint) for which the Defendants in the Case at bar are jointly and
severally liable toPlaintiffs. See Issues # 1, #2, and #3, of Davidsons’ Petition for Writ of Certiorari (U.S.
Supreme Court Docket # 06-398, certiorari denied on November 6, 2006). See Davidsons’ Supplemental Brief
and Davidsons’ Petition for Rehearing (U.S.Supreme Court Docket # 04-1687). See signed Court order of May
5, 2006, for distribution of surplus funds to applicants Jay and Eudice Grossman, in the sum of $226,469.90,
from the nonjudicial foreclosure sale of Davidsons’ real property, in Tucson, AZ. See file-stamped copy of the
Order of May 5, 2006, signed by Judge John Davis. See the Application for Turnover Order and the
Application for the Appointment of a receiver for Davidsons’ medical practice (Dominion Health Services,
P.A., a Texas Professional Association) with the clerk of the 188th District Court in Gregg County, Texas,
Cause No. 2005-93-A. See the Notice of Constable Sale (personal property), signed on July 24, 2006, by
Constable Bill Echart, Gregg County Texas, that states, “The above property is levied on as the property of
Robert Michael Davidson and Vanessa Komar Davidson”. See the Arizona Corporation Commission corporate
inquiry on 12/19/2006, re: Tranquility Ventures LLC. See the recent Pima County Assessor’s Office download
for the entity, Tranquility Ventures LLC.
88. Davidsons seek coercive relief (compensatory and punitive damages) in this Count (Count Seven) which is
supplemental to the coercive relief sought in Counts One, Two, Three, and Four, to this Amended Complaint.
See the Prayer for Relief below.
TOLLING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
89. Plaintiffs filed their initial RICO action in Arizona on February 19, 2003. The statute of limitations is
tolled, for all of the counts to this Amended Complaint, under the doctrine of fraudulent concealment, the
doctrine of continuing tort, the doctrine of concerted action (conspiracy), the doctrine of equitable tolling, the
doctrine of regulatory estoppel, and the doctrine of constitutional regulatory estoppel. Plaintiffs incorporate
here by reference ¶ 8.78 - ¶ 8.85.
DAVIDSON, et al v. GROSSMAN, et al AMENDED COMPLAINT 41
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
90. Defendants are estopped from asserting the statute of limitations as a defense to this Amended Complaint,
for the reasons found in paragraph 89 above.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff pray for judgment against Defendant Jay Grossman, Defendant Eudice Grossman,
Defendant Gayle F. Petrillo, Defendant Charles W. Ott, Defendant Joanne C. Wray, Defendant Kent J. Thiry,
Defendant Joseph C. Mello, Defendant Anthony P. Tartaglia, Defendant Michael J. Meehan, Defendant Bruce
R. Heurlin, Defendant Vivra Holdings Inc, Defendant Gambro Healthcare Inc, Defendant DVA Renal
Healthcare Inc, Defendant Davita Inc, Defendant Albany Medical College, Defendant Sepracor Inc, and each
of them, jointly and severally, as follows:
1. For threefold the damages actually sustained and the costs of suit, in a sum not less than
$15,000,000.00, including a reasonable attorney’s fee and costs, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.A. Section
1964(c), with interest thereon at the rate of 10% per annum;
2. For punitive (exemplary) damages in the sum of not less than $75,000,000.00, with interest thereon at
the rate of 10% per annum;
3. Plaintiffs join the above stated Prayer for (coercive) Relief with the above-stated Prayer for
declaratory relief (stated in Count Five and Count Six above).
4. For such other and further relief as the Court may deem appropriate pursuant to 18 U.S.C.A. Section
1964, 28 U.S.C.A. Section 2202, 42 U.S.C.A. Section 1983, and 42 U.S.C.A. Section 1985.
5. For such other and further relief as the Court may deem proper and just in the premises.
6. For trial by jury on all issues so triable.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, this 16th Day of April, 2007, by
____________________________ and ____________________________
ROBERT MICHAEL DAVIDSON VANESSA ELAINE KOMAR
Representing themselves, Pro Se.