Fraudulent nursing degree program linked to patient death in Missouri, prosecutors argue
As part of the ongoing Operation Nightingale, more than 40 people have been charged in alleged schemes that involved selling dubious nursing diplomas, which some 15,000 people purchased. Many of them would go on to get their nursing license and hold jobs, despite lacking the required hands-on clinical education.
One defendant in these cases of fraud is Carleen Noreus, 51, who has been charged with money laundering and fraud-related charges in connection with operating two now-shuttered “fake nurse” schools in Florida.
Noreus has denied the charges against her and is taking her case to trial. Prosecutors accuse her of selling bogus diplomas and grade transcripts to multiple individuals seeking employment as LPNs and RNs—including one linked to the 2023 death of a patient in Missouri.
The nurse in that instance has not been named. However, according to court records, this Jane Doe was working at a hospital in Missouri, caring for a patient who was experiencing an irregular heart rhythm. Despite the obvious signs, this imposter nurse failed to recognize the danger and went on to infuse liquids into the patient through a blown IV.
He died a couple of hours later from medical complications that included fluid overload.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, prosecutors are planning to focus on the incident in their case against Noreus—however, her attorneys believe it's prejudicial and are looking to have it excluded.
It remains to be seen if a judge will allow that evidence to move forward, given that Noreus is not facing charges related to the specific incident.
The trial against Noreus begins in December. Notably, her alleged business associate, Stanton Witherspoon, pleaded guilty in a related case and is serving a three-year prison sentence.
Witherspoon was convicted of selling fake diplomas for $10,000 to $20,000 each, helping students obtain licenses in Florida and 40 other states.
For more, read the full story from the Miami Herald at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.