BREAKING: A Baltimore County woman, Thomasina Amponsah, has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for impersonating a nurse across more than 40 health care facilities in Maryland. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, as federal prosecutors detailed her extensive fraudulent activities that put patient safety at risk.
Amponsah, aged 51, pleaded guilty in August to multiple charges, including federal identity theft, after authorities uncovered her scheme to use stolen credentials and fabricated work histories. From 2019 to 2023, she worked in various roles, including at nursing homes and under Medicaid and Medicare programs, even infiltrating a public school in Baltimore County.
U.S. Senior District Judge Richard D. Bennett confirmed the sentence and mandated Amponsah to pay over $145,000 in restitution. Additionally, she faces three years of supervised release following her incarceration, the maximum allowed under her plea agreement.
In a shocking revelation, court records indicate that Amponsah’s deceptive practices continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being fired from two positions by October 2022, she still managed to pose as a “licensed nurse” until August 2023. Federal prosecutors highlighted her negligence, stating that she failed to administer prescribed medications to multiple patients and falsified numerous medical records at one facility.
This case underscores the critical dangers posed by unqualified individuals in healthcare settings, a situation that has raised alarms among officials and healthcare advocates. As the healthcare system grapples with ongoing staffing shortages, incidents like these remind us of the importance of vigilance and proper credentialing.
The implications of Amponsah’s actions resonate deeply, affecting not just the integrity of healthcare services but also the well-being of vulnerable patients who rely on qualified professionals.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and the ongoing discussions surrounding healthcare regulations and patient safety.
For further news tips, contact Luke Parker at [email protected], call 410-725-6214, or find him on X as @lparkernews.
