Arlington doctor gets prison time for fraud, drug crimes

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS A federal judge TEXAS PRESS sentenced an Arlington doctor to 12 years in prison after GARY BOARDERS he pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent bills for physical therapy and office exams and illegally issuing prescriptions for controlled substances. Dr. Clinton Battle pleaded guilty last July to the charges after an investigation conducted by the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation’s Fraud Unit and federal investigators.

“Health care fraud impacts everyone in the Texas workers’ compensation system, and thanks to the teamwork between the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Fraud Unit and federal investigators, we were able to ensure justice was served in this case,” said Debra Knight with DWC.

Stuck in the middle with you

This tidbit comes from “Game Warden Field Notes,” compiled from TPWD law enforcement reports:

“Val Verde County Game Wardens received information about a fishing boat that ran aground on the Rio Grande River. The area recently accumulated excess silt from the Amistad Dam. Combined with decreasing water levels on the river, the exposed silt became sticky and acted as quicksand. The two boaters were unharmed but unable to vacate the boat without sinking into the mud.

One of the wardens moved to an overlook point and located the boat. The wardens confirmed there was no way to reach them through waterways or on land. A call was placed for a helicopter with hoist capability. A municipal helicopter reached the individuals, and the rescue was completed successfully. The boaters did not require medical attention.”

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.