A Houston physician has been indicted by federal authorities for allegedly falsifying medical records to make patients ineligible for organ donations. Dr. John Stevenson Bynon Jr., the former director of abdominal organ transplantation and surgical director for liver transplantation at Memorial Hermann Hospital, was charged with five counts of making false statements in healthcare matters.
According to the indictment, Bynon activated dozens of patients on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver transplant waitlist while awaiting an organ donation. However, he allegedly made false claims on medical records, which affected patients' eligibility for organ donations. Many patients and their families remained unaware of the false information, and some waited months without knowing they could not receive donor organ offers.
The investigation alleges that Bynon's actions betrayed his duty as a medical professional to heal and stole years and hope from vulnerable patients. The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating allegations of patient harm regardless of the practitioner's reputation or hospital affiliation.
Bynon was charged with manipulating the criteria for patients on organ transplant waiting lists, thereby affecting their chances of survival. Two patients who were affected by Bynon's actions ultimately received organ transplants at alternate facilities after discovering the false statements.
During his court appearance, the judge refused to grant Bynon an unsecured bond, requiring him to deposit $2 million in cash or sign over his home to the government. The judge believes Bynon has substantial assets and can easily leave the country.
Bynon's attorney claims that the charges are baseless, pointing out his 40-year career of performing over 2,000 transplants. However, prosecutors argue that the doctor's actions demonstrate a "reckless disregard for patient safety" and a desire to manipulate the system for personal gain.
If convicted, Bynon faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 per conviction. The Southern District of Texas is seeking justice for every victim in this case, as the district attorney stated, "Rest assured, we will continue to seek justice for every victim in this case."
According to the indictment, Bynon activated dozens of patients on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver transplant waitlist while awaiting an organ donation. However, he allegedly made false claims on medical records, which affected patients' eligibility for organ donations. Many patients and their families remained unaware of the false information, and some waited months without knowing they could not receive donor organ offers.
The investigation alleges that Bynon's actions betrayed his duty as a medical professional to heal and stole years and hope from vulnerable patients. The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating allegations of patient harm regardless of the practitioner's reputation or hospital affiliation.
Bynon was charged with manipulating the criteria for patients on organ transplant waiting lists, thereby affecting their chances of survival. Two patients who were affected by Bynon's actions ultimately received organ transplants at alternate facilities after discovering the false statements.
During his court appearance, the judge refused to grant Bynon an unsecured bond, requiring him to deposit $2 million in cash or sign over his home to the government. The judge believes Bynon has substantial assets and can easily leave the country.
Bynon's attorney claims that the charges are baseless, pointing out his 40-year career of performing over 2,000 transplants. However, prosecutors argue that the doctor's actions demonstrate a "reckless disregard for patient safety" and a desire to manipulate the system for personal gain.
If convicted, Bynon faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 per conviction. The Southern District of Texas is seeking justice for every victim in this case, as the district attorney stated, "Rest assured, we will continue to seek justice for every victim in this case."