U.S. attorney seeks victims in case against Columbia doctor

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri hopes more potential victims in a Columbia doctor's healthcare fraud and illegal prescriptions case.

Dr. Jonathan Morris was indicted by a federal grand jury on 15 counts of illegally prescribing drugs and 23 counts of healthcare fraud.

The Department of Justice alleges Morris, 46, defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by causing them to “be billed for medical services as if they had been provided by him instead of the assistant physicians” he employs. He owns Columbia Urgent Care on North Providence Road.

Justice also accused Morris of giving prescription drugs to friends and drug addicts with whom he had sexual relationships.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says it wants potential victims of Morris to contact its Victim-Witness Unit.

"Former patients of Morris or their families may still be facing the aftermath of illegal prescribing of controlled substances or fraudulent billing practices," the U.S. attorney's release states. "The victim-witness program provides information, services and support to individuals during federal prosecutions."

Morris was released from federal custody last month on bond. Conditions of his release include giving up his DEA registration and passport, wearing an ankle monitor while on house arrest and not being allowed to practice medicine.

A former employee also sued Morris last fall. Allegations included Morris making unwanted sexual advances and ignoring sexual harassment committed by other employees.