Woman Sentenced to 6+ Years for Stealing Identities to Work in Healthcare

Leticia Gallarzo impersonated nurses and physician's assistants in multiple states despite prior convictions.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A woman named Leticia Gallarzo was sentenced to over 6 years in federal prison for stealing identities to work as a nurse and physician's assistant in multiple states, including Michigan and Illinois, despite prior convictions for similar crimes in Texas. Authorities said Gallarzo did not harm anyone while performing medical duties under false credentials, but her actions were still deemed unacceptable.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious risks and consequences of healthcare workers impersonating licensed professionals, which can endanger patient safety and public trust in the medical system. It also raises questions about mental health factors that may have contributed to Gallarzo's repeat offenses and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such identity theft crimes in the healthcare industry.

The details

Gallarzo pleaded guilty in 2023 to identity theft after creating a false nurse's license to work at a Michigan nursing home. She had previously been convicted and sentenced to prison in Texas for impersonating a nurse. In 2024, while awaiting sentencing in Michigan, Gallarzo left the state and worked as a physician's assistant in the Chicago area using another person's license and identity. She was finally caught last September near Los Angeles where she was again working as a nurse without proper credentials.

  • In 2023, Gallarzo pleaded guilty to identity theft for creating a false nurse's license to work at a Michigan nursing home.
  • A few years prior, Gallarzo was convicted and sentenced to prison in Texas for impersonating a nurse.
  • In 2024, while awaiting sentencing in Michigan, Gallarzo left the state and worked as a physician's assistant in the Chicago area using another person's license and identity.
  • In September of last year, Gallarzo was caught near Los Angeles working as a nurse without proper credentials.

The players

Leticia Gallarzo

A woman who stole identities to work as a nurse and physician's assistant in multiple states, despite prior convictions for similar crimes.

Tim VerHey

The U.S. Attorney in western Michigan who prosecuted the case against Gallarzo.

Rachel Frank

Gallarzo's defense lawyer, who stated that Gallarzo has a history of mental health struggles.

Paul Maloney

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Gallarzo to over 6 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“She loved taking care of people, and felt she was doing something important. However, she now recognizes that her conduct, especially after being punished for it in the past, is unacceptable, and that her reasons for committing this offense are irrelevant.”

— Rachel Frank, Gallarzo's defense lawyer

“It was a 'happy accident' that Gallarzo didn't harm anyone while starting intravenous lines, distributing medications, removing catheter lines and supervising others.”

— Tim VerHey, U.S. Attorney in western Michigan

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 and consequences of healthcare workers impersonating licensed professionals, which can endanger patient safety and public trust in the medical system. It also raises questions about mental health factors that may have contributed to the repeat offenses and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such identity theft crimes in the healthcare industry.