2 Reynosa, Mexico doctors convicted in insurance scheme

MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — Federal prosecutors say two physicians from a family medicine clinic in Mexico have been convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a nearly $2.6 million insurance claim scheme.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson says 59-year-old Dr. Mayolo Melchor and 61-year-old Dr. Bertha Hernandez-Melchor, of Reynosa, Mexico, pleaded guilty Wednesday in McAllen to conspiring with policyholders of the American Family Life Insurance Company to prepare and submit fraudulent claim forms and accident reports for accidents and injuries that never occurred.

Prosecutors say forms listing fake accidents and injuries were delivered to the doctors' family clinic in Mexico, then were faxed to AFLAC headquarters in Columbus, Georgia. The scheme went on for nine years through 2010.

They face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at their August sentencing.