In January 2023, Dr. Francis F. Joseph was convicted of theft in connection with healthcare and wire fraud for misappropriating nearly $250,000 from COVID-19 relief programs. The DOJ just announced that Dr. Joseph has been sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Dr. Joseph operated, managed, and controlled Springs Medical Associates, P.C. (Springs Medical) from August 2014 to about January 29, 2020. After relinquishing management of Springs Medical, Dr. Joseph applied for and received funds from the Accelerated and Advance Payment Program and the Provider Relief Fund on behalf of the practice. The foregoing federal programs were designed to provide emergency financial assistance to support medical providers and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unbeknownst to Springs Medical, Dr. Joseph misappropriated nearly $250,000 and used the federal funds for personal expenses.
Dr. (Joseph was initially charged with theft in connection with health care, theft of government property, wire fraud, and making a false statement in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding. However, a Colorado jury acquitted him of theft of government property.
The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection with white-collar criminal investigations and health care fraud investigations. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.