Fake Nurse On Dating Apps Faces Federal Charges For Assaulting Women

Herman Brightman has been indicted on eight federal charges for allegedly posing as a nurse on dating apps and social media to kidnap, assault, threaten, and harass at least four women across New York and New Jersey. Brightman sent posed photos and videos depicting himself as a nurse or nurse practitioner - wearing scrubs, white coats, and fake IDs - to connect with victims. 

“The men and women of the NYPD condemn these deeply disturbing and heinous acts allegedly committed by a serial predator. Across jurisdictional boundaries, we and our law enforcement partners take all accusations of abuse seriously and remain dedicated to ensuring justice for the victims,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. 

According to a statement released by United States Attorney Damian Williams and New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban, Brightman used aliases including "Nazir Griffiths" and "Nazir Luckett" to connect with victims and trick them into meeting in person.

Catfishing Scheme and Violent Attacks

Once Brightman lured women into meeting him under the false pretense of a date or romantic encounter, prosecutors allege he would kidnap, assault, threaten, and harass them. The indictment charges Brightman with kidnapping, interstate domestic violence, communicating interstate threats, cyberstalking, and interstate stalking. These alleged attacks took place across New York City and New Jersey, including in Queens, Mount Vernon, the Bronx, and New Jersey. 

About The Allegations

Brightman exhibited a pattern of violent behavior towards women he was involved with. The allegations, as outlined in the Indictment spanning from January 2022 to September 2023, reveal a distressing series of incidents involving at least four victims. The cases are outlined: 

• One such incident occurred around July 2022 when Brightman forcibly transported a woman and her minor child to his residence at knifepoint. Threatening to kill Victim-1 if she caused any trouble, Brightman held her captive for an entire evening, only allowing her to leave temporarily the next morning after she convinced him.

• In August 2023, Brightman viciously attacked a Queens woman he had been dating in her own home, wielding a knife and making terrifying threats. Despite Victim-2 ending the relationship, Brightman continued to harass her with numerous threatening phone calls, exhibiting a disturbing level of obsession.

• In early September 2023, Brightman targeted a third woman he was dating. He lured her into his car, assaulted her, and even forced her to call another victim, escalating the violence by putting her in a chokehold. A subsequent confrontation at her workplace and a later assault near her home demonstrated Brightman’s escalating aggression.

• In late September 2023, BRIGHTMAN entered the home of a fourth woman who had previously ended their relationship. Inside her residence, he assaulted and attempted to rape her. Fortunately, she managed to escape with the help of a friend.

Awaiting Trial

Herman Brightman now awaits trial where he will face charges from the eight-count indictment. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. 

The charges include three counts of kidnapping, each with a minimum 20-year prison sentence and a maximum of 20 years; one count of threatening physical harm through interstate communication, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of cyberstalking, with a potential maximum sentence of five years; two counts of traveling in interstate commerce to commit a crime of violence, each holding a maximum sentence of five years; and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to stalk, carrying a potential maximum sentence of five years.

These charges, prescribed by Congress, present a serious legal predicament for Brightman. Each kidnapping charge alone carries a substantial prison term, and additional charges compound the potential consequences. The maximum sentences outlined here are provided for informational purposes only, as the final judgment will be at the discretion of the presiding judge. 

By posing as a nurse and using fake names on dating apps and social media, Brightman was allegedly able to carry out a sinister catfishing scheme to manipulate, threaten, and harm victims.