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Fraud

Imposter Nurse Charged with 19 Counts of Misconduct, Including Identity Theft and Nursing without a License

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

April Guadalupe Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, allegedly assumed the identities of registered nurses and provided unauthorized care to hospice patients in New Mexico. Her actions nearly led to a fatal dose of morphine and resulted in a grand jury indictment. Attorney General Raul Torrez has charged her with 19 counts of misconduct, including identity theft, nursing without a license, and fraud totaling approximately $40,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • April Guadalupe Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, is charged with 19 counts of misconduct, including identity theft, nursing without a license, and fraud.
  • Hernandez allegedly assumed the identities of two registered nurses and a licensed practical nurse to gain employment as a nurse in New Mexico.
  • The investigation revealed that over the last year and a half, Hernandez stole the identities of the three nurses and used them to care for patients, nearly causing the death of at least one via morphine overdose.
  • Hernandez was employed by Luna Del Valle Healthcare Services, Lily Care of New Mexico, and Hospice De La Luz, all of which paid compensation to her based on the fraudulent licenses, accounting for the $40,000 total in compensation.
  • The defendant could face up to 27.5 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
  • The New Mexico Department of Justice's Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau (MFEAB) investigated the case and receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • The remaining 25% of the MFEAB's funding comes from the State of New Mexico.

Statistics:

  • 19 counts of misconduct charged against April Guadalupe Hernandez.
  • $40,000 total in compensation paid to Hernandez by her employers based on the fraudulent licenses.
  • Up to 27.5 years in prison Hernandez could face if convicted on all counts.
  • The MFEAB receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $3,451,202 for federal fiscal year 2025.
  • The MFEAB receives 25% of its funding from the State of New Mexico, totaling $1,150,401 for fiscal year 2025.

Sources:

  • "Attorney General Raul Torrez Charges Imposter Nurse Who Nearly Caused Fatal Dose of Morphine", New Mexico Department of Justice, nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-charges-imposter-nurse-who-nearly-caused-fatal-dose-of-morphine/

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