MCALLEN,
Texas (AP) — A South Texas doctor has been charged in a $240 million health
care fraud and international money laundering scheme.
The
indictment unsealed Monday accuses Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada of falsely
diagnosing patients with degenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
It also alleges that the 61-year-old physician and his co-conspirators
administered chemotherapy and other toxic medications to patients.
John
Cronan is assistant attorney general for the U.S. Justice Department's Criminal
Division. He alleges Zamora-Quezada orchestrated the fraud scheme and put the
health of children, elderly and disabled patients in jeopardy.
The
indictment says the excessive medical procedures were allegedly used to fund
Zamora-Quezada's lavish lifestyle, including a million-dollar private jet and
Maserati both emblazoned with his initials.
Zamora-Quezada
didn't immediately respond Tuesday to a telephone message from The Associated
Press.