In a shocking case that stunned both the medical and legal worlds, a Texas doctor has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for faking medical diagnoses to make money. His crimes hurt hundreds of innocent patients — many of whom were told they had incurable diseases they didn’t actually suffer from.
This is the story of Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, a rheumatologist from Mission, Texas, who defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and several insurance companies out of more than $118 million. But his punishment is not just jail — he’s also losing his luxury lifestyle, including a private jet, a Maserati, and 13 high-end properties, some even outside the U.S.
Faking Diseases to Make Millions
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Dr. Zamora-Quezada lied to hundreds of patients, telling them they had rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, incurable disease. He then gave them strong medical treatments, like infusions and injections, which were not only unnecessary but also dangerous.
These treatments allowed him to charge huge amounts from insurance companies. In return, many patients ended up with severe side effects, such as:
- Liver damage
- Bone tissue death (necrosis)
- Strokes
- Chronic pain
One woman said the medicine left her unable to walk, bathe, or cook. Another said her daughter was treated like a lab rat. Many young patients gave up education and career dreams, believing they were seriously ill.
False Reports, Missing Files, and a Rat-Infested Barn
Dr. Zamora-Quezada didn’t just stop at false diagnoses. He also:
- Faked ultrasound images
- Changed patient records
- Stored missing files in a barn full of rats
He even punished staff who didn’t meet patient quotas and pressured employees on work visas, using fear and control. The DOJ described his behavior as “depraved” and compared his leadership style to a dictator.
Living the High Life — Until Now
While patients were suffering, Dr. Zamora-Quezada was enjoying a luxury lifestyle:
- Private jets
- Fast sports cars
- Expensive vacations
- Dozens of luxury homes
But now, instead of travelling in style, he will be spending the next 10 years behind bars, followed by three more years under government watch.
He must also forfeit over $28 million, along with his jet, Maserati, and luxury properties.