Federal prosecutors allege a Houston physician billed a COVID-19 program about $30 million for office visits that never took place.
Dr. Joseph A. Montes, 66, is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. A federal grand jury issued a 12-count indictment on Sept. 30. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas said Montes appeared in court on Oct. 6. Prosecutors allege the government paid roughly $20 million on the claims from 2020 through 2022.
The indictment alleges Montes let others operate pop-up testing sites under his name. Patients were given nasal swab tests, but the sites allegedly charged the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program for office visits instead. The program covered testing and treatment for people without insurance.
The charges have not been proven, and Montes is presumed innocent unless a court finds him guilty.
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