Feds charge weight-loss doctor with fraud

Federal authorities are hunting for famed local weight-loss specialist Dr. Gautam Gupta after he was charged with defrauding the government and insurance companies earlier this week.

Gupta, 57, whose last known address is in Rockford, is the subject of a nationwide manhunt, according to a release issued by the FBI late Friday.

He has been charged with mail fraud, health care fraud and conspiracy by federal prosecutors. All the charges are felonies, authorities said.

Gupta is accused of submitting claims to insurance companies and the state Medicaid program for “unnecessary procedures or procedures which were never performed.”

Prosecutors allege between 2001 and 2010 Gupta was paid nearly $25 million for claims submitted on behalf of his patients. He operated clinics in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Naperville, Rockford and South Beloit.

If convicted, he faces up to 35 years in prison, authorities said.

Gupta is described as being of Indian descent, 5-feet 5-inches tall, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and who sometimes wears his graying black hair in a ponytail. Anyone with information about Gupta’s whereabouts is urged to call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.