South Texas Doctor Charged with $240 Million Health Care Fraud
A Texas doctor has been charged with operating a $240 million health care fraud and international money laundering scheme.
Jorge Zamora-Quezada, 61, of Mission, was charged in a seven-count indictment filed in the Southern District of Texas.
According to the indictment, Zamora-Quezada and his co-conspirators falsely diagnosed patients with various degenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. They then administered chemotherapy and other toxic medications to the patients based on that false diagnosis.
From 2000 through the filing of the indictment, Zamora-Quezada and his co-conspirators allegedly conducted a battery of fraudulent, repetitive and excessive medical procedures on patients in order to increase revenue and fund Zamora-Quezada’s lavish and opulent lifestyle.
Zamora-Quezada had his initial court appearance earlier today. His detention hearing is set for tomorrow, May 15, at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter E. Ormsby.
“Jorge Zamora-Quezada allegedly orchestrated a massive fraud scheme that jeopardized the health and wellbeing of innocent children, elderly and disabled victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The allegations that Zamora-Quezada violated his oath to do no harm by administering unnecessary chemotherapy and other toxic medications to patients with serious diseases — including some of the most vulnerable victims imaginable — are almost beyond comprehension.
Zamora-Quezada was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges Zamora-Quezada and his co-conspirators flew in Zamora-Quezada’s million-dollar private jet or drove in his Mercedes Benz to transport patients to his office for unnecessary medical procedures.
The FBI is dedicated to working with its task force partners to address health care fraud, which is a growing and serious crime that impacts every city and small town in the nation.
Zamora-Quezada had no comment on the charges.
Defendant: Jorge Zamora-Quezada
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering
City and State: McAllen, Texas
Date: May 15, 2023 (detention hearing)
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
Dollar Amounts: $240 million
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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