A Texas-based rheumatologist, Jorge Zamora-Quezada, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a nearly two-decade-long healthcare fraud scheme that involved falsely diagnosing thousands of patients with degenerative diseases and profiting massively from unnecessary treatments.
How the Fraud Unfolded
Prosecutors detailed how Zamora-Quezada, who once held medical licenses in Texas, Arizona, and Massachusetts, exploited vulnerable patients by diagnosing them with rheumatoid arthritis—a chronic autoimmune disease requiring intensive treatment. Many patients endured harsh and needless therapies such as chemotherapy and intravenous infusions.
- Over approximately 20 years, Zamora-Quezada amassed hundreds of millions in profits.
- He targeted vulnerable groups, including teenagers, elderly individuals, and disabled persons, often from lower-income communities.
- Patients experienced serious side effects, including strokes, jawbone necrosis, hair loss, and liver damage, as a result of unnecessary treatments.
- Nearly 73% of his Medicare patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a rate far above the average of other Texas rheumatologists, who diagnosed only 13%.
Community and Official Reactions
During the sentencing hearing, some victims testified about ongoing health complications caused by the fraudulent treatments. The Justice Department condemned Zamora-Quezada’s actions as one of the most egregious cases of healthcare fraud in recent memory.
Matthew Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, called the case “emblematic” of efforts to combat wasteful government spending and protect patients from exploitation.
“By the end of the scheme, he knew the consequences some of these things had on the victims, and he went forward anyways,” Galeotti said.
Officials also noted Zamora-Quezada’s lavish lifestyle, including ownership of 13 properties in the U.S. and Mexico, a private jet, and luxury cars like a Maserati—highlighting the stark contrast between his opulence and the suffering of his patients.
Legal Outcome and Next Steps
Zamora-Quezada was convicted by a jury in 2020 on multiple counts, including healthcare fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Although prosecutors sought $100 million in restitution, the judge ordered him to pay $28 million.
His licenses to practice medicine were revoked in all three states.
This sentencing serves as a strong warning against medical fraud and reinforces ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, protect patients, and safeguard government healthcare funds.
Information sourced from:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Fox News Digital
- Texas Department of Public Safety
