A 44-year-old Virginia woman accused of impersonating a registered nurse and overseeing roughly 60 patients at a Burbank hospital is facing charges of identity theft, false impersonation, and grand theft, authorities said.
Amanda Leeann Porter, who is currently on federal probation for a fraud conviction in Virginia, was arrested on November 7 by Burbank police after posting bond for a similar offense allegedly committed at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita, CNS reported.
Porter used a false identity in April to secure a nursing position at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, according to Burbank police. Over the course of a month, she oversaw dozens of patients before hospital staff discovered she was impersonating a registered nurse from out of state.
"By the time Porter was terminated, she received two paychecks for the time she was fraudulently employed," Burbank police stated.
Detectives allege that Porter has a history of using fake identities to obtain employment at various Southern California hospitals. "During this investigation, detectives learned that Porter continued to obtain employment with various local hospitals using a variety of false identities," the police said.
Porter pleaded not guilty to the charges on November 8 and is being held without bail. She is scheduled to return to court on December 2, when a hearing date will be set to determine if the case proceeds to trial.
Authorities believe Porter may have committed additional similar offenses in the area and are encouraging anyone with information to contact local law enforcement or Detective Arias at 818-238-3210.
Porter's actions have raised serious concerns about hospital hiring practices and patient safety. Investigations into her alleged scams remain ongoing.
Originally published on Latin Times.
