As part of a years-long federal investigation into fraudulent nursing credentials, prosecutors have announced charges against 12 more individuals tied to a scheme that sold over 7,000 fake diplomas.
Dubbed Operation Nightingale—named after Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing—the investigation targeted several for-profit nursing schools that issued fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. These institutions have since been shut down.
Federal prosecutors stated that the scam allowed unqualified individuals to take the national nursing board exam using sham academic credentials. Those who passed received licenses and went on to work as registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) in facilities across the country, often without proper training.
The scheme reportedly operated from April 2016 to July 2021, primarily out of Florida. Individuals paid between $10,000 and $20,000 for fake nursing credentials, according to reporting from the Miami Herald.
In the first wave of charges in 2023, 30 defendants were convicted. The second phase, announced this week, brings 12 more into the legal spotlight.
Key individuals include:
Herline Lochard (Orange County, FL): Former training institute manager; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Sentenced to 13 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
Carleen Noreus (Broward County, FL): Former president of home health training programs; charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
Patrick Buchanan (Broward County, FL): Former healthcare institute owner; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Nine additional individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud:
Gilbert Hyppolite, Irene Matthews, Jose Napoleon (Palm Beach County, FL)
Lemuel Pierre, Stephanie Dorisca, Carleen Noreus, Patrick Buchanan (Broward County, FL)
Victor Escalante Zerpa, Joel Lubin (Miami-Dade County, FL)
Cleophat Tanis (Collier County, FL)
Lonnette Blair (Camden County, NJ)
Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
In response to the scandal, the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is urging lawmakers to tighten oversight of private nursing programs. “We see the impact when things go wrong,” said FNA’s Willa Hill, stressing the need for highly educated, competent nurses in the workforce.
