Florida Man Arrested for Impersonating Nurse, Applying to Multiple Jobs with Fake Credentials
DELAND, Fla. — Joseph Thomas Kinney, 55, of Lake Mary, was arrested Monday after attempting to secure nursing jobs using another person’s license and identity, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in August when a hiring manager at Ridgecrest Health and Rehab Center in DeLand reported suspicious job applications from a man using fraudulent nursing credentials. Deputies said the suspect had previously raised concerns in October 2024 at Indigo Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Daytona Beach after presenting inconsistent documents.
Further investigation revealed that Kinney was impersonating a licensed nurse who lived with him in Lake Mary. Records show Kinney previously held nursing licenses in Alabama, California, and Florida but was disciplined for issues including drug diversion, DUI, falsifying information, and unprofessional conduct.
Deputies believe Kinney applied to 10 to 15 nursing jobs using stolen credentials and worked briefly at two healthcare facilities in Seminole and Orange counties before being caught.
Body cam footage released by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shows Kinney’s arrest shortly after arriving for a job interview in DeLand.
Kinney faces two felony counts of practicing healthcare without a license. Florida law criminalizes even the attempt to practice health care without valid licensure. He is currently held at Volusia County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
