by Wayland, Michigan — A Michigan woman who posed as a registered nurse using stolen identities and fake credentials has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison, after prosecutors said she fraudulently worked in health care facilities and treated patients without proper training or licensing.
Leticia Gallarzo, 51, formerly of Wayland, was sentenced on January 26 to 75 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.
Fake credentials used to obtain nursing job
Prosecutors said Gallarzo used stolen personal information belonging to a real registered nurse to apply for health care jobs, submitting fabricated documents that included a fake nursing license, diploma, and identification.
According to court records, she successfully secured employment at a Michigan nursing home between August 2022 and May 2023, applying through the job site Indeed while posing as a licensed nurse.
Authorities said Gallarzo falsely presented herself as a qualified medical professional, allowing her to gain direct access to vulnerable patients.
Treated patients and supervised staff
While employed at the nursing facility, Gallarzo allegedly performed duties typically reserved for licensed nurses, including:
- Assessing patients
- Administering medications
- Starting IV lines
- Supervising other health care workers
Prosecutors said she was later promoted to unit manager, further increasing her responsibility over patient care and staff operations.
Although investigators found no confirmed cases of physical harm to patients, officials stressed that Gallarzo’s actions placed patients at serious risk.
Scheme uncovered after job performance declined
Court documents state that Gallarzo’s performance eventually deteriorated, leading to her demotion. Afterward, she sought employment elsewhere.
A prospective employer discovered inconsistencies in her identity and credentials, prompting them to alert authorities. That tip ultimately led to the federal investigation.
The deception unraveled when routine verification exposed the stolen identity, prosecutors said.
Fled while awaiting sentencing
After pleading guilty in October 2023, Gallarzo was released pending sentencing. Prosecutors said she then fled the jurisdiction and resumed fraudulent activity.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gallarzo continued impersonating medical professionals, fraudulently working as both a registered nurse and a physician assistant in Illinois and California.
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She was eventually arrested near Los Angeles and returned to Michigan for sentencing.
Third conviction for nurse impersonation
Federal officials noted that this was not Gallarzo’s first offense. Prosecutors said the case marked her third conviction for impersonating a nurse:
- Michigan conviction in 2016
- Texas conviction in 2017
- Current federal conviction in 2025
Prosecutors described the pattern as persistent and deliberate, citing repeated attempts to infiltrate the health care system
Prosecutors emphasize patient safety
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense.
“This was far more than a fraud,” VerHey said, emphasizing that nurses are entrusted with critical, life-and-death decisions
FBI officials echoed those concerns, stating that Gallarzo abused public trust and endangered patients by falsely presenting herself as a trained medical professional.
“This sentence sends a clear message that exploiting the health care system and endangering patients will not be tolerated,” investigators said
Case underscores need for credential verification
The case has renewed attention on the importance of thorough credential verification in health care hiring, particularly in long-term care settings where patients may be especially vulnerable.
Federal officials stressed that while no physical injuries were confirmed, the potential consequences could have been severe.
Gallarzo will now serve her sentence in federal custody. Additional supervision terms will follow her release.
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