Fake Nurse Leader Pleads Guilty To Identity Theft

In a recent case that has drawn attention to the critical importance of proper nursing credentials and patient safety, a woman in Wichita Falls, Texas has pleaded guilty to charges related to impersonating a registered nurse. 

The Case of Jessica Judd

Jessica Judd, a resident of Bridgeport, Texas, found herself at the center of a legal storm when the Texas Board of Nursing issued a warning accusing her of posing and practicing as a registered nurse in Wichita Falls, Jacksonsboro, Decatur, and Weatherford without the necessary qualifications.

Between June 2020 and May 2023, Judd reportedly worked at four different locations using the stolen credentials, including holding high-level roles at both a clinic and a nursing home.

Here are the key details of the case:

• Use of Fake Credentials: Jessica Judd used the license number of a legitimate registered nurse who shares her name to pose as a qualified nurse.
• Employment History: Worked in four healthcare facilities across Texas between June 2020 and May 2023.
• Served as a nurse supervisor at a clinic in April 2023.
• Held the position of director of nursing at a nursing home in May 2023.

The case, heard in the 78th district court, culminated in Judd pleading guilty to the charge of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.

Sentencing

Jessica Judd plead guilty to  fraudulent use of identifying information and was sentenced to, 

• 2-year state jail term, however, the jail time was suspended to a 5-year probation sentence. She will serve 30 days in jail beginning March 10, 2025. 
• $1,500 fine
• 160 hours of community service

Fake Nurses

Judd’s case is only one of many cases involving nurse impersonators. 

• Lakeshia Kennedy of New Orleans was arrested for stealing bank cards and committing fraud while posing as a nurse at a local children's hospital.
• Leticia Gallarzo was charged by the Department of Justice with posing as a registered nurse for the third time in her criminal history. She ended up skipping sentencing. 
• Rochelle Perry used a stolen nursing license number on the applications to trick the employers into believing she was an LPN. Perry has never legitimately held any type of nursing license.
• Pamela O'Guinn posed as a nurse practitioner and practiced medicine without a license, according to the Arizona Attorney General. O’Guinn was sentenced to five years in state prison on Friday, July 7, 2023. 

The case of Jessica Judd in Wichita Falls serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks posed by individuals who fraudulently claim medical qualifications. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, maintaining the integrity of the nursing profession and ensuring patient safety must remain top priorities.