GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A 48-year-old woman posing as a registered nurse has been indicted on federal charges.

Leticia Gallarzo has been charged with wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of making false statements in medical records affecting health care benefit programs, and production of a false identification document. She could face up to 22 years in prison if convicted.

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“These allegations that Ms. Gallarzo faked her qualifications as a licensed medical professional are highly concerning and potentially put innocent patients at risk,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. “My office takes this threat to the public very seriously and thanks our law enforcement partners for their investigative work in this case.”

Gallarzo allegedly used a Michigan licensing number and name to gain employment as a registered nurse at a nursing home and a hospice facility. According to court documents, Gallarzo indicated that she had a master’s degree in nursing from George Washington University and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Davenport University, though she possessed neither qualification.

The hospice facility discovered that Gallarzo was an impostor when her fingerprints matched records from a prior state and federal conviction, when Gallarzo had practiced nursing without a license in Texas from 2015-2016 and was later arrested.

“The defendant’s alleged actions demonstrate blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of
those under her purported care,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in a statement.