email article A Colorado physician has been charged with stealing nearly $300,000 from federal COVID-19 relief programs, according to the Department of Justice. Francis F. Joseph, MD, of Highlands Ranch, allegedly funneled $118,000 in federal funds from one of his medical clinics into his personal bank account -- then spent the money on travel, home improvements, and other things, according to a federal indictment unsealed last week. Those funds came from the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program and the Provider Relief Fund, established under the CARES Act, prosecutors said. The indictment also accused Joseph, 56, of applying for a $179,999 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on behalf of that medical practice, which he also directed into his personal bank account, DOJ alleges.