Texas Doctor Sentenced to 10 Years for Fraudulently Treating Healthy Patients

A Texas rheumatologist has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after admitting to a years-long healthcare fraud scheme that left hundreds of healthy patients suffering from unnecessary and dangerous treatments.

Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, 68, of Mission, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, multiple counts of fraud, and obstruction of justice. In addition to his prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release and must repay over $28 million.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed patients—some as young as 13—with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, allowing him to bill insurance providers for unneeded tests and treatments. The scheme resulted in more than $118 million in fraudulent claims, with insurers paying over $28 million.

“Dr. Zamora-Quezada funded his luxurious lifestyle for two decades by traumatizing his patients, abusing his employees, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Testimony during the trial showed that none of the patients evaluated by independent rheumatologists actually had the chronic conditions they were treated for. Many were subjected to powerful immunosuppressant drugs with severe side effects—including strokes, liver damage, jawbone necrosis, and chronic pain. Some victims reported losing their hair, abandoning education plans, or becoming bedridden.

“Constantly being in bed and being unable to get up alone, and being pumped with medication, I didn’t feel like my life had any meaning,” one victim said.

Beyond his fraudulent medical practices, Zamora-Quezada also manipulated and exploited his employees. He reportedly hired staff on J-1 visas, using threats of job termination and immigration consequences to maintain control. Those who refused to comply with his demands or failed to meet quotas for unnecessary procedures were fired or harassed.

Prosecutors said the doctor used his ill-gotten gains to fund an extravagant lifestyle that included 13 properties, a private jet, and a Maserati GranTurismo. All assets will be forfeited as part of the restitution order.

Zamora-Quezada operated clinics in South Texas and San Antonio, where hundreds of former patients are still grappling with the physical and emotional impact of his actions. The sentencing provides a measure of justice for the victims and ensures that the disgraced physician will no longer be able to harm others.