On December 18, 2024, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office arrested Denise A. Zamora on nine felony charges for allegedly providing false medical histories about her daughter, resulting in unnecessary and potentially harmful medical treatments over six years.
Investigators say Zamora claimed her daughter was non-verbal, required a feeding tube, used a wheelchair, and was deaf, communicating only through sign language. However, once separated from her mother, the child was able to eat regular food, walk, hear, and speak without issue, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit details evidence, including security footage showing Zamora injecting an unknown liquid into her daughter's feeding bag, pouring its contents into a cup, and transferring it into a vomit bag. She reportedly told a nurse the child had vomited.
Zamora is also accused of falsifying her own medical history, claiming she had cancer. Zamora deceived her family and friends going as far as shaving her head and claiming to be undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Detectives believe she may have solicited monetary donations for both her and her daughter’s medical expenses.
Teachers reported incidents where Zamora claimed her daughter needed a wheelchair or oxygen, though these claims were contradicted by observations of the child walking or skipping and the oxygen line not being attached to a tank.
Officials estimate Medicaid fraud between $500,000 and $1 million due to unnecessary treatments.
Anyone who has donated to Zamora is urged to contact Detective Michael Weber at 817-884-3749. The investigation is ongoing.
