Colorado doctor charged with stealing $300,000 from COVID-19 relief programs.

A Colorado physician has been indicted in federal court docket for allegedly stealing practically $300,000 in authorities funds from COVID-19 reduction packages, in response to federal prosecutors.

An indictment in opposition to Francis F. Joseph, 56, of Highlands Ranch, was unsealed Wednesday in Denver the place Joseph can be charged with making false statements in reference to chapter proceedings, in response to a U.S. Justice Division information launch.

Joseph allegedly transferred $118,000 in COVID-19 reduction funding from a medical clinic’s account into his private checking account, and spent the cash on journey and residential enhancements, in response to the discharge. Following his firing from the clinic, Joseph allegedly utilized for a $179,999 mortgage below the Cost Safety Program, on behalf of the clinic, which he allegedly funneled into his checking account.

Joseph allegedly filed for chapter on behalf of the clinic, unbeknownst to the clinic, following his termination from the medical follow. The chapter submitting included “materially false statements,” the discharge mentioned.

He has been charged with theft in reference to well being care, theft of presidency property, wire fraud, and making a false assertion in reference to a chapter continuing.

Joseph is scheduled to seem in court docket on Could 25 earlier than U.S. Justice of the Peace Choose S. Kato Crews. If convicted, he faces most penalties of 10 years in jail for every theft rely, 20 years for wire fraud, and 5 years for the chapter continuing false assertion.