Investigators said Sanon sold 2,016 fake diplomas and transcripts from November 2018 to October 2021 that falsely purported students had completed the necessary courses. The ABC report said officials told them that nursing candidates who allegedly participated in the scheme would pay as much as $15,000 for the fraudulent diplomas. allnurses is a Nursing Career & Support site for Nurses and Students. 25 charged in fraudulent nursing diploma scheme centered in South Florida. The pleas follow a January announcement by federal officials that more than two dozen people connected to Florida-based nursing schools had been charged with wire fraud. These schools are now closed. Since nursing is a limited access program, entrance requirements are the same. The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam and, after passing it, to obtain licenses and jobs in various states as RNs and LPN/VNs. 1 victim had lived in Pinellas County. Agents arrest slew of suspects in South Florida nursing-diploma scam The requirements for admission of a transfer nursing student also include: 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. : 23-60010-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Etienne, case no. The knowledge and skills taught are consistent with the role and scope of practice defined . Siena College of Health - Nursing School and Allied Health Training It includes nursing care skills and applications needed for a variety of settings such as acute, long term, and care in the home. Napoleon was previously charged by information and has pled guilty to conspiring to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, as well as wire fraud (case nos. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. First published on January 25, 2023 / 5:47 PM. From November 2020 to July 2021, Charles Etienne, owner of Sacred Heart International Institute, and two others provided students with 588 fake diplomas and transcripts,according to court filings. Letsgetstarted. A criminal compliant filed in Maryland and unsealed on Monday charges Nwaokwu, Bangura and Napoleon with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to make false statements relating to health care matters and making false statements relating to health care matters. Nursing Department - Siena College - Acalog ACMS Fraud: Palm Beach School of Nursing, Siena College of Health Florida In establishing its first-ever nursing program, Siena has taken the innovative approach of scheduling on-campus classes on Wednesdays, providing nurses and employers with a predictable schedule that makes it easier for nurses to advance their education while continuing to work. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. MILLIONS OF PAGE VIEWS EACH MONTH. Siena College of Health is located in Lauderhill, Florida and is dedicated to educating adult students in the discipline of nursing and promoting immediate access to employment following successful program completion. According to charging documents, Sacred Heart International Institute was a Broward County School licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing that offered a nursing program designed to prepare students for employment as practical nurses. Arrest made in NY serial killings. U.S. v. Russ, et al., case no. Program Completion Time 11 Months. It is alleged that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an LPN/VN. The Baldwins are very familiar with nursing, as both Toms and Lauries mothers, Shirley Kowalczyk, RN and Marilyn Baldwin, RN, were nurses, and their daughter and daughter-in-law are currently nurses. It consists of 5 letters and 2 syllables and is pronounced Sie-na. Siena College President Brother F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., said the colleges expansion into nursing education fits perfectly with the values of the Franciscan college, and offers Siena a unique opportunity to educate and form those who will be able to live those values in the 21st century. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. Siena is generally used as a girl's name. The online portion of the program will provide working nurses with further scheduling flexibility due to the less rigid time requirements of online course work. COLLEGE PARK, Md. Begin today and pass the NCLEX! The Department of Justice along with the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General carried out the investigation,dubbed Operation Nightingale. These schools are now closed. Siena College of Health - Nursing School and Allied Health Training Sanon and three others in New York and New Jersey reportedly recruited aspiring nurses. / CBS Miami. Nursing school operators plead guilty to selling fake diplomas | Miami The fake diplomas were allegedly issued by Palm Beach School of Nursing in West Palm Beach, Siena College of Health Florida in Lauderhill and Sacred Heart International Institute in Pompano Beach. This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, helicopter parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. For our intellectual property, terms, and conditions, read here. "The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Palm Beach. It's a program focused on caring, innovation and leadership at a college that holds service to others in the highest regard. CLINICAL PAPERWORK MUST BE PROVIDED TWO WEEKS BEFORE CLINICAL START DATE THESE INCLUDE: PHYSICAL,HEP B SERIES,MMR, TB SCREENING AND FDLE BACKGROUND CHECK. They are moments when those who have been educated and formed in the Franciscan tradition are most able to embody Franciscan ideas.. Mega Millions jackpot grows to $640 million, among highest ever, 8 hurt in Lakeland train crash with semitrailer, Spring Hill singer gets 6 years in prison for attacking officers during the US Capitol attack, Massive pile of eggs found in Burmese pythons nest sets alarming record in Florida, Tampa police issue warning about vehicles being stolen from valet parking, Disney asks a judge to toss a lawsuit from board of DeSantis appointees, Florida boy, 3, and abductor both killed in high-speed crash. 87.9%. 2023 Emerald X, LLC. Siena College of Health is licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Commission for Independent Education. Southern District of Florida | Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme Leads Prosecutors said the defendants engaged in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited South Florida-based nursing schools to individuals seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses. : 23-60007-Cr-Singhal. 6. Defendant EUNIDE SANON, a resident of Broward County, was the Owner, Registered Agent, and Manager of Siena Education and Siena College ( collectively Siena . "The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Fla., Palm. Variants of the name Siena include Sienna. The Florida Board of Nursing has since expanded the Remedial course for Nurses who have left their license lapse. Were it not for the diligence and hard work of the investigators on this case, the extent of this fraud may not have been discovered. The nursing applicants used the fake diplomas and transcripts they purchased from the owner and employees of Palm Beach School of Nursing to obtain RN or LPN/VN licenses in various states and nursing jobs with unwitting health care providers throughout the country. Nursing is a special calling that involves compassion and a sense of service with individuals at very vulnerable moments in their lives, Brother Ed said. FBI Miami and HHS-OIG Miami investigated these cases. The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam, authorities said. It is alleged that these defendants arranged with Sanon, who managed Siena College and is charged by information with wire fraud conspiracy, to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. U.S. v. Russ, et al., case no. According to three recently unsealed indictments returned by a South Florida federal grand jury and two informations filed by federal prosecutors, defendants engaged in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to individuals seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). Register today to attend this free webcast! Not only is this a public safety concern, it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and course work required to obtain their professional licenses and employment, said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe, who added that a fraud scheme like this erodes public trust in our health care system.. ", "The alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing," said Special Agent in Charge Omar Prez Aybar of Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County. Since 1997, allnurses is trusted by nurses around the globe. Learn about nautical flags and see your name or message written in nautical flags, on the Siena in Nautical Flags page. The alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing, said Special Agent in Charge Omar Prez Aybar of Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). In an anonymous complaint filed with the Florida attorney general in May, a person who self-described as a former Jay College student asked state officials there to investigate the school and. Guilt orinnocence isdetermined in a court of law. The information against Sanon alleges that he and others sold thousands of fake Siena College nursing diplomas and educational transcripts to nursing applicants who used them to obtain RN or LPN/VN licenses in various states and nursing jobs with unwitting health care providers throughout the country. Prosecutors said the scheme put patient safety at risk since required training programs exist to protect the public from harm by setting minimum qualifications and competencies.. Not only is this a public safety concern, it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and course work required to obtain their professional licenses and employment, said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe, who added that a fraud scheme like this erodes public trust in our health care system.. Former Students Say They Were Duped by Online Nursing School - NBC4 Nwaokwu did little to address the students concern before he moved to the next topic, the affidavit said. The indictment alleges that Witherspoon, Sellu, and Bernadelsolicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an RN or LPN/VN. These schools are now closed. Not only is this a public safety concern, it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and course work required to obtain their professional licenses and employment." Our mission is to Empower, Unite, and Advance every nurse, student, and educator. 25 charged in fraudulent nursing diploma scheme centered in South Florida Krystal Lopez, Damian Lopez, Francois Legagneur, Reynoso Seide, and Yelva Saint Preux entered guilty pleas and face up to 20 years in prison, reports ABC News. As a Practical Nursing student, evaluating the patients needs is important, helping to develop a precise care plan for your patients all while being supervised by the registered nurse and directed by the physician. U.S. v. Witherspoon, et al., case no. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Clark is prosecuting this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. ( NewsNation) Some of the students who officials say bought fraudulent nursing diplomas in a Florida-based scam went on to land health care jobs in several states. Some of those who graduated from the Florida nursing school with backdated transcripts are listed as people who passed the New York State Board Examination, the FBI says. Crimes such as these unfortunately continue to spring up, especially in this area. According to the charging documents, Palm Beach School of Nursings objective was to prepare students to meet Floridas licensing and nursing board requirements and become eligible to take the national licensing exam in order to work as registered nurses. The Generic Program is for the applicants who have no previous nursing education or the LPN who does not wish to enroll in an accelerated program. Your email address will not be published. ", "Not only is this a public safety concern, it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and course work required to obtain their professional licenses and employment," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe, who added that "a fraud scheme like this erodes public trust in our health care system. The schools involved Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing and Sacred Heart International Institute are now closed. The meaning of Siena is "reddish, brown". Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. Less than 5 boys were given the name. The DOJ issued the following statement to BocaNewsNow.com. The perfect schedule for the working nurse: Most classes in our RN to BS in Nursing program are offered one day per week throughout the academic year, and we admit in both fall and spring terms. ALZEIHMERS: APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIR $15.00 A federal magistrate judge agreed to free Nwaokwu and Bangura on bond after their initial court appearances in Maryland on Monday, court records show. . The charges speak to the purpose of a nursing license which is to protect the public from harm by setting minimum qualifications and competencies. More photos from the Nursing Program Announcement event on Flickr. Siena Education Center in Plantation, FL 33313 - (954) 484-4443 . Updated: Jan 26, 2023 / 05:06 PM CST. These recruiters then arranged with Charles Etienne, Sacred Hearts owner, to create and distribute false and fraudulent transcripts and diplomas representing that the aspiring candidates had attended Sacred Heart and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain LPN/VN diplomas. Phone: 954-484-4443 | 954-530-6826 Fax: 954-484-4164 Send a message to Siena College of Health and inquire further about our programs. An FBI undercover agent purchased a diploma from the Florida school for approximately $16,000. The three accredited nursing schools were all located in South Florida. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. The growing demand for registered nurses to earn bachelors degrees in nursing often creates a scheduling nightmare for RNs who return to school for their degree while continuing to work full-time. Want to see how Siena sizes up? Napoleon has pleaded guilty to wire and health care fraud charges, the DOJ said. The knowledge and skills taught are consistent with the role and scope of practice defined by the Florida Board of Nursing and is to be performed under the direction and guidance of a Registered Nurse or a licensed Physician, It includes education in the areas of Medical/Surgical Nursing, as well as the special and unique nursing care needs of pediatric, obstetrical and geriatric patients, including 4 hours of HIV/AIDS. Ten people helped recruit people looking to obtain fake degrees. 5 Plead Guilty in Florida Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme Federal indictment over fake Florida nursing diplomas leaves 26 The schools involved Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing and Sacred Heart International Institute are now closed. If so, thank you. In coordination with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG continues to aggressively investigate bad actors who so brazenly disregard the well-being of others in order to enrich themselves fraudulently.. Defendants in each case face wire fraud-related charges. Hospitals are urging, and in some cases requiring, their RNs with associates degrees to get their bachelor of science in nursing, and are providing substantial tuition reimbursement for staff nurses to further their studies, said Baldwin Nursing Program Director Lisa Flack, DNS, MS, RN. Finish in as few as 24 months: Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 24 months; part-time within three to four years. The charges speak to the purpose of a nursing license which is to protect the public from harm by setting minimum qualifications and competencies. . Plantation, FL 33313. Siena falls into the place name category. Required fields are marked *. Nursing - Dual Degree | Siena College Florida fake nursing diploma scheme resulted in 7,600 fraudulent The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Fla., Palm Beach School . In September 2020, an FBI source wearing a recording device attended a test prep class in that Nwaokwu led in an office building in Laurel, Maryland. 2023 www.palmbeachpost.com. Keep public media strong anddonatenow. Students will be able to perform their clinical work at hospitals, community and public health settings, or other medical facilities throughout the region, providing a benefit to both the student and the community. Siena college of health - LPN to RN Nursing Student - allnurses Fraudulent nursing diploma scheme leads to federal charges against 25 Nursing. "What is disturbing about this investigation is that there are over 7,600 people around the country with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients. Siena - Meaning Of Siena, What Does Siena Mean? - ourBabyNamer Im just gonna say this I was 41 when I started college my children were out of the home at that point. The fact that people took an easy route to make money, which is ridiculous in my mindset, because Ive made lots of money as a nurse, but I did not go into nursing for that reason. Just for fun, see the name Siena in Hieroglyphics, learn about ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics and write a Hieroglyphic message. A bachelor of science degree in Nursing from Siena College, located in Albany, New York, opens the door to one of the most fulfilling and admirable careers out there. : 23-60005-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Sanon, case no. Nursing School Scam Leads To Indictments For Palm Beach County Some of those diploma recipients have been practicing nursing "somewhere in the United States, perhaps currently," Lapointe said. Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 11. : 23-60013-Cr-Moreno. What is disturbing about this investigation is that there are over 7,600 people around the country with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients. This discussion will help participants analyze, understand, and assess their own program effectiveness. Arrest reports are police accusations. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. Crimes such as these unfortunately continue to spring up, especially in this area. The FBI agent who wrote the July 8 affidavit said he hadnt communicated with any employers of any graduates of the Florida nursing school due to the covert nature of the investigation but has verified that at least four graduates have worked for health care entities that bill Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance.