❓WHAT HAPPENED: Fraud charges have been filed against 12 defendants involved in selling fake nursing diplomas and transcripts as part of Operation Nightingale.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The defendants include nursing school owners and employees, such as Herline Lochard, Carleen Noreus, and others.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The charges were announced in Miami, Florida, with related activities occurring from January 2019 through September 2022.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The charges highlight the purpose of a professional nursing licensure: protecting the public from harm by ensuring that only qualified and competent practitioners provide nursing care.” – DOJ Press Release
🎯IMPACT: The fraudulent scheme resulted in approximately 7,300 fake diplomas, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged 12 people with fraud-related offenses in Miami, Florida, as part of Phase II of Operation Nightingale. This operation exposed a scheme that sold fake nursing diplomas and transcripts, enabling unqualified individuals to bypass proper licensing and secure nursing jobs.
The accused, including owners and staff of nursing schools, allegedly conspired to provide fraudulent credentials, allowing buyers to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and obtain nursing licenses for employment nationwide. Among the defendants, Herline Lochard has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, while Carleen Noreus faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. These fake credentials helped unqualified people gain nursing positions and benefits from unsuspecting healthcare providers across the country.
The scheme operated through several now-closed for-profit nursing schools in Florida, issuing around 7,300 fake diplomas between January 2019 and September 2022. The charges highlight the importance of legitimate nursing licensure in ensuring public health and safety.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami are leading the investigation. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy charges.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.