Former Chief Operating Officer Sentenced for Stealing from Morgantown Medical Practice

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Francisco Ortiz, age 50, the former chief operating officer of a Morgantown medical practice, was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison for bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ortiz, of Vacaville, California, defrauded Wedgewood Physicians, Inc. by diverting more than $650,000 for his own benefit. Ortiz used the funds to pay for personal items such as travel, home improvements, and online purchases. Ortiz also diverted some of the money for the benefit of co-defendant, James Mersing, a physician formerly employed by the practice. Mersing pled guilty to his role and was sentenced in October 2024.

Ortiz was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $692,176.19.

Ortiz will serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.