Michigan Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Faking Nursing Degree

Leticia Gallarzo posed as a registered nurse, even obtaining a promotion to unit manager, before being caught

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55am

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A 51-year-old woman from Wayland, Michigan named Leticia Gallarzo was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for falsely representing herself as a registered nurse and using the identity of a real nurse to obtain nursing jobs. Gallarzo had previously been convicted twice before for similar crimes, but continued the scam, even fleeing the state after pleading guilty to avoid sentencing. She was eventually arrested in California and transported back to Michigan for sentencing.

Why it matters

Nurses are responsible for critical life-and-death decisions in patient care, so it is crucial that they have the proper medical training and credentials. Gallarzo's actions put vulnerable patients at risk, and the lengthy prison sentence underscores the seriousness of this type of fraud in the healthcare industry.

The details

Gallarzo obtained nursing jobs in Michigan, Illinois, and California by creating fake nursing licenses, diplomas, and identification documents to pose as a registered nurse. She performed nursing duties like patient assessments, administering medications, and supervising other healthcare workers, even getting promoted to a unit manager role at one point. However, her scam was eventually uncovered and she was charged with false statements related to healthcare matters and aggravated identity theft. After pleading guilty, Gallarzo fled the state but was later arrested near Los Angeles and transported back to Michigan for sentencing.

  • In 2016, Gallarzo was convicted by the Kent County Prosecutor's Office of fraudulently impersonating a licensed nurse.
  • In 2017, Gallarzo was convicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.
  • On September 26, 2023, Gallarzo was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan with fraud and aggravated identity theft.
  • In October 2023, Gallarzo pleaded guilty but then fled the state before her sentencing hearing.
  • On January 26, 2026, Gallarzo was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison.

The players

Leticia Gallarzo

A 51-year-old woman from Wayland, Michigan who posed as a registered nurse on multiple occasions, even creating false documents to support the scam, and later fled the state to avoid sentencing.

Timothy VerHey

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, who stated that Gallarzo "richly deserved the 75-month sentence" for putting vulnerable patients at risk.

Jennifer Runyan

The special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, who said the sentence sends a "clear and unmistakable message" about the consequences of credential fraud in the healthcare industry.

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What they’re saying

“This is far more than a fraud case. Nurses make life and death decisions for the people under their care, and everyone has the right to expect that their health is being attended to by a person with extensive medical training.”

— Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan (freep.com)

“It is shocking that Gallarzo would repeatedly put herself in such a position, without any of the necessary training, just because she wanted money. I am very happy to say that our investigation has not disclosed anyone physically harmed by Gallarzo's conduct, but that is just a happy accident and not because of anything she did. Gallarzo richly deserved the 75-month sentence imposed by Judge (Paul) Maloney.”

— Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan (freep.com)

“This 75-month federal prison sentence sends a clear and unmistakable message: no one gets to lie about their credentials, falsify medical records, or steal identities without facing serious consequences.”

— Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Detroit Field Office (freep.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Leticia Gallarzo out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks posed by healthcare workers who fraudulently obtain jobs and credentials, and the importance of thorough vetting and oversight to protect vulnerable patients. The lengthy prison sentence sends a strong message that this type of fraud will be met with severe consequences.