A Westmoreland doctor accused of defrauding an insurance company of almost $5 million is scheduled to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on February 9.

The 36-year-old, Jepthroy Thompson of Big Bridge District, Savanna-la-Mar, who is charged with forgery, uttering forged documents and demanding money by means of forged documents, pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey Wednesday.

Attorney Marlene Malahoo Forte, who was holding for Thompson’s lawyer Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels Brown, asked for disclosure in the matter and the judge ordered that the defence be presented with the court documents by January 15. Thompson’s bail was subsequently extended.

According to police reports, between June 2013 and October 2014, Thompson submitted claims for payment to a health insurance agency stating that he, a particular anaesthetist and an assistant surgeon, performed surgery on several individuals. On the basis of the claims, the insurance company reportedly paid out $4.9 million to Thompson. However, investigations later discovered that the named anaesthetist and the assistant surgeon did not participate in any of the surgeries and were not beneficiaries of any money paid to Thompson.

A report was subsequently made to the Fraud Squad in September 2015, and Thompson was arrested and charged on December 16.