A South Texas doctor who once prescribed unnecessary chemotherapy to thousands of patients is now on track to leave federal prison as soon as Sept. 2. The projected early release is reopening painful memories for former patients who say they were medically harmed and will not receive direct restitution for their injuries.
How he was convicted and sentenced
Federal prosecutors say Dr. Jorge Zamora‑Quezada was convicted in 2020 on multiple counts of health care fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice and was later sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $28 million. As detailed by the Department of Justice, investigators showed he falsely diagnosed patients with lifelong conditions and administered toxic treatments, including chemotherapy, so he could bill insurers for services prosecutors say were unnecessary.
Prison records show an early release date
Federal Bureau of Prisons records cited in local reporting list Zamora‑Quezada at Federal Correctional Institution Beaumont Low, with a scheduled release date of Sept. 2. That reporting notes the date was previously listed as Nov. 16. The updated projected release date and facility listing were reported by KRGV.
Victims' statements at sentencing
Dozens of former patients described life‑altering injuries at his May 2025 sentencing hearing, including strokes, jaw necrosis and chronic pain after years of treatments they now say were unnecessary. "Your actions ruined my life and my family's life forever," Miranda Hinojosa told the court while being monitored by medics, according to reporting by MySA. Several victims were transported to the courthouse because their conditions make attending otherwise difficult.
Legal limits and where the money goes
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ruled the punishments must be served concurrently, which capped the sentence at 10 years even though prosecutors had urged consecutive terms totaling 80 years, local reporting shows. The court ordered more than $28.2 million in forfeiture and restitution, but those funds are designated to repay federal and private insurers rather than go directly to patients, as outlined by the Department of Justice.
How federal prison rules can shorten time
The Bureau of Prisons allows eligible inmates to earn good‑conduct credits that can shorten time behind bars. The agency's First Step Act FAQ notes inmates may earn up to 54 days per year, which helps explain how a 10‑year term can produce a projected 2026 release date. Even with that calculation, victims and local advocates say restitution and forfeiture provide little practical relief for people coping with permanent injuries, a sentiment echoed in local coverage.
