Lock Six of the schools Carleen Health Institute of South Florida, Med-Life Institute, Myrielle School of Nursing, Nursing Bridges Institute, Palm Beach International College, and Techni-Pro Institute did not appear at the hearing to contest the action, but the seventh, Suncoast College of Health in Bradenton, did appear and said the current owner was not implicated. Three schools in Florida issued more than 7,600 fake nursing transcripts and diplomas to students, according to investigators. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ABC report said officials told them that nursing candidates who allegedly participated in the scheme would pay as much as $15,000 for the fraudulent diplomas. The alleged crime "potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing," said Omar Prez Aybar, a special agent in charge at the Department of Health and Human Services with the Office of Inspector Genera. I find it appalling and whatever happens to these people I think all of them are at fault not just the college that fraudulently put that license in place by lying on their transcript but also those people who chose this easy route to make the money. Click on the links here: Siena College of Health is licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Commission for Independent Education. 33132, Telephone: (305) 961-9001 "What is disturbing about this investigation is that there are over 7,600 people around the country with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients," he added. : 23-60007-Cr-Singhal. These recruiters then arranged with Charles Etienne, Sacred Hearts owner, to create and distribute false and fraudulent transcripts and diplomas representing that the aspiring candidates had attended Sacred Heart and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain LPN/VN diplomas. Collectively, the defendants charged in federal documents facilitated the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. Federal authorities in Florida called the scheme a public safety concern. Although they still had to take the exam, the bogus credentials allowed them to skip vital steps of the competency and licensure process, officials said -- and once licensed, those individuals were able to find a job in the health care field. AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) Sophia Smith pretended to zip her lips closed as she celebrated her second goal against Vietnam during the United States opening match at the Womens World Cup. The indictment charges Gail Russ of Broward County; Cheryl Stanley of Collier County, Fla.; Krystal Lopez of Palm Beach County; Ricky Riley of Broward County; Norberto Lopez of Palm Beach County; Damian Lopez of Palm Beach County; Francois Legagneur of Nassau County, N.Y.; Reynoso Seide of Union County, N.J.; Cassandre Jean of Palm Beach County; Yelva Saint Preux of Suffolk County, N.Y.; Evangeline Naissant of Nassau County, N.Y.; Rony Michel of Monmouth County, N.J.; Vilaire Duroseau of Essex County, N.J.; and Yvrose Thermitus, a/k/a Yvrose Thompson, of Union County, N.J., with conspiring to commit, and committing, wire fraud. ", "Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, "said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. Aybar pointed to the pledge of ethics and principles that nurses take, called the "Nightingale Pledge.". Florida nursing schools sold thousands of fake diplomas totaling $100M The alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing, said Special Agent in Charge Omar Prez Aybar of Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "These people didn't go through that. An FBI affidavit alleged that in 2021, an undercover FBI employee met with Geralda Adrien, a recruiter for Palm Beach School of Nursing. School District Date Place; Broward County Estimate, dates not yet published Spring Break 2023 - Broward County: Monday 20 March 2023 - Friday 24 March 2023: Broward County USA: City of Chicago Estimate, dates not yet published Spring Break 2023 - City of Chicago: Monday 10 April 2023 - Friday 14 April 2023: City of Chicago USA: Clark County Estimate, dates not yet published Spring . The sweeping enforcement action spanned five states: Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas and Delaware, and resulted in more than two dozen criminal wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges against 25 individuals. WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. Theres so much you can learn here. According to the charging documents, Palm Beach School of Nursings objective was to prepare students to meet Floridas licensing and nursing board requirements and become eligible to take the national licensing exam in order to work as registered nurses. Casey Phair, at 16 years and 26 days, stepped onto the field and became the youngest player to do so in a World []. First published on January 25, 2023 / 5:47 PM. Liberian Media Mogul Charged for Wire Fraud Scheme in US : 23-60012-Cr-Singhal. Twenty-five people are accused of operating a multi-million-dollar nursing school scheme, including two Burlington County, New Jersey residents. Company name SIENA COLLEGE OF HEALTH II LLC Status Inactive Filed Number L21000291882 FEI Number Date of Incorporation June 23, 2021 Home State FL Company Type Florida Limited Liability SIENA COLLEGE OF HEALTH II LLC NEAR ME Principal Address 7491 W OAKLAND PARK BLVD, SUITE 306-01, LAUDERHILL, FL, 33319, US. Nearby is California State University at Fullerton as well as Fullerton Community College. In the most recent quarterly accounting, released last week, Florida, which had by far the largest number of exam takers with 3,658, had only a 55 percent pass rate worse than every state except Wyoming, where just six people took the exam and three of them passed. According to three recently unsealed indictments returned by a South Florida federal grand jury and two informations filed by federal prosecutors, defendants engaged in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to individuals seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). It is alleged that these recruiter defendants then arranged with Palm Beach School of Nursings owner Johanah Napoleon and school employees Gail Russ, Cheryl Stanley, Krystal Lopez, and Ricky Riley to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts representing that the aspiring RN and LPN/VN candidates had attended Palm Beach School of Nursing and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain RN or LPN/VN diplomas. For . Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. MSCHE's complaint procedures are created to address non-compliance with the Commission's standards of accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies or procedures, or the institution's own policies or procedures. There is a likelihood that certainly there are some individuals that are still working, he said. You can schedule a visit by filling the form below or contacting: If you would like more information on how to pursue a degree at Siena College of Health, we are available to answer your questions. MIAMI More than two dozen individuals have been charged in the Southern District of Florida for their alleged participation in a wire fraud scheme that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses. "Many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money," Chad Yarbrough, acting special agent in charge with the FBI in Miami, said in a statement. In addition, Rhomy Louis of Suffolk County, N.Y., and Nadege Auguste of Broward County are also charged with conspiring to and committing wire fraud. Would you like to send your own testimonials? Siena College of Health II LLC (Siena College) was a Florida limited liability company, and its primary business address was 7 491 W Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 100, Lauderhill, . It is alleged that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an LPN/VN. Working with licensed Medicaid patients in Ohio and Georgia. Siena College of Health. Eugene Sanon managed Siena College. A bachelor of science degree in Nursing from Siena College, located in Albany, New York, opens the door to one of the most fulfilling and admirable careers out there. PDF ~le-,~005-CR-SMITHN ALLE - Center for Inquiry Higher Education. All three of the schools were approved by school accrediting agencies and the state of Florida and therefore were eligible for taxpayer funded federal student grants and loans to enroll and teach aspiring nurses. "What is disturbing about the scheme is the possibility of harm coming to patients under the dubious care of one of these allegedly fraudulent nurses," acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami, said. Charges Related to Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts from Siena College. 25 charged in fraudulent nursing diploma scheme centered in South Florida. If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters! 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. When President Joe Biden signs a proclamation on Tuesday establishing a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley, it will mark the fulfillment of a promise Tills relatives made after his death 68 years ago. In the Sacred Heart International Institute case, the indictment charges Ludnie Jean, Serge Jean, Simon Itaman and Anna Itaman, all of Harris County, Texas. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General; United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami; and Florida Attorney General-Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. At present, theres no known racial motivation behind the crime. What is disturbing about this investigation is that there are over 7,600 people around the country with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients. The pleas follow a January announcement by federal officials that more than two dozen people connected to Florida-based nursing schools had been charged with wire fraud. : 23-60010-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Etienne, case no. Find your admissions counselor Apply Visit Request more info Deposit More information for: Transfer Students International Students Veterans High School Partnership students Graduate Students College Search Resources Learn More Fast Facts An official website of the United States government. At a meeting this morning the Florida Commission on Independent Education took emergency action to temporarily suspend operations at seven Florida health careers schools connected to individuals charged in the nursing fraud case. Employed at an assisted living facility in New Jersey. Cybersecurity and Enterprise Risk Management, Environmental Studies and Environmental Science, Health Professions / Pre-Med / Pre-Health, Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing, Not-for-Profit and Governmental Accounting, Not finding what you need? It is alleged that these defendants arranged with (Eugene) Sanon, who managed Siena College and is charged by information with wire fraud conspiracy, to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. Siena College was a school in Broward County, Florida that was licensed by the state's board of nursing and its independent education commission to offer practical nursing and Bachelor of. In 2022, University HQ named Broward College the most affordable college in Florida from more than 100 . (NewsNation) Some of the students who officials say bought fraudulent nursing diplomas in a Florida-based scam went on to land health care jobs in several states. At least some of the fraudulent packages including some training to prepare for the nursing exam. 2023 Emerald X, LLC. SIENA COLLEGE OF HEALTH II LLC. LAUDERHILL, FL - BisProfiles They never attended the clinical that they needed to do.. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, helicopter parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. As first reported by ABC News, officials said the scheme involved peddling more than $100 million worth of bogus nursing diplomas and transcripts over the course of several years -- fake credentials that were sold to help "thousands of people" take "shortcuts" toward becoming licensed, practicing nurses. RT @amys_here: "distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Fla., Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County." 27 Jan 2023 02:25:37 According to charging documents, Sacred Heart International Institute was a Broward County School licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing that offered a nursing program designed to prepare students for employment as practical nurses. Each of the 25 defendants face up to 20 years in prison if convicted in connection with the alleged sale ofmore than 7,600 combined fraudulent nursing school degrees. A report from ABC News said officials reported the scheme involved peddling more than $100 million worth of bogus nursing diplomas and transcripts over the course of several years -- fake credentials that were sold to help "thousands of people" take "shortcuts" toward becoming licensed, practicing nurses. These schools are now closed. Napoleon was previously charged by information and has pled guilty to conspiring to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, as well as wire fraud (case nos. Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy. Charges related to Sienna College include Stanton Witherspoon of Burlington County, N.J.; Alfred Sellu of Burlington County, N.J.; and Rene Bernadel of Westchester County, N.Y., with conspiring to commit and committing wire fraud. Siena College of Health - Nursing School and Allied Health Training Crimes such as these unfortunately continue to spring up, especially in this area. Contact Us! At this mornings meeting of the Florida Commission on Independent Education, which along with the state board of nursing oversees nursing schools in the state, executive director Meredith Pelton said the Commission is aware of the federal charges. But many current Florida schools still have low passage rates. Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. Trump Tires of Economic Message and Returns to Attacks Amid Florida Welcome back! Broward College named one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. Siena College (267-284-5011) www.msche.org. "I encourage those of you -- if you're in a setting and you happen to have someone that may not be practicing up to the standards as you understand it, maybe if you see something, say something.". PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A massive, coordinated scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree credentials has been brought down by a joint federal law enforcement operation, Justice Department officials said Wednesday. Caring for elderly patients in New York and Texas. Below is the list of 34 notable alumni from Siena College sorted by their wiki pages popularity. ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report. Suspects allegedly went on shopping spree after credit theft at gym, Carlee Russell's disappearance was 'hoax,' police say, NJ warehouse fire raises possible problems with solar panels. It is alleged that these recruiter defendants then arranged with Palm Beach School of Nursings owner Johanah Napoleon and school employees Gail Russ, Cheryl Stanley, Krystal Lopez, and Ricky Riley to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts representing that the aspiring RN and LPN/VN candidates had attended Palm Beach School of Nursing and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain RN or LPN/VN diplomas. They never attended class. Students are taught by qualified faculty offers a wealth of experience in didactic and clinical practice. We "expect our health care professionals to be who they claim they are. Both day and evening and week-end classes are available to applicants. UPDATE MAY 16, 2023: Five people pleaded guilty last Wednesday to participating in a wire fraud scheme that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses. The indictment alleges that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse or vocational nurse. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General; United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami; and Florida Attorney General-Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. These schools are now closed. "For them, it was worth the investment, or the risk," Aybar told ABC News. The conspiracy involved the distribution of over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and certificates, officials said. The nursing candidates used the fake diplomas and transcripts they purchased from Sacred Heart to obtain LPN/VN licenses in various states and nursing jobs withunwitting health care providers throughout the country. The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam, authorities said. Specifically when we talk about a nurse's education, and credentials - shortcut is not a word we want to use," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe. : 23-60013-Cr-Moreno. Republic Report is dedicated to rooting out the corruption that is so corrosive to American values. Mission Statement The charging documents describe Siena College as a Broward County school licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Nursing that offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. None of the bogus students were charged in the documents released Wednesday. Regardless, I broke my back to get through college and go to nursing school, and nursing school didnt teach me everything I needed to know to save a life. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Siena College of Health is located in Lauderhill, Florida and is dedicated to educating adult students in the discipline of nursing and promoting immediate access to employment following successful program completion. Aybar said that is why, from the onset of the investigation, authorities have been working with state licensing boards to share as much information as they could, as fast as they could, so the respective boards "can assess what actions to take to prevent these individuals from rendering care.". : 23-60005-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Sanon, case no. RN REMEDIAL COURSE COST. In This Section Nursing - Dual Degree Nursing (RN to BS) Eugene Sanon managed Siena College. Find a Chapter - BNI In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. Smith and teammate Naomi Girma decided on [], DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A Houston woman known online as the Sassy Trucker has been stuck in Dubai for months after an altercation at a car rental agency, the latest case showing the limits of speech in this skyscraper-studded city-state. Fraud: Palm Beach School of Nursing, Siena College of Health Florida Working for Veteran Affairs medical centers in New York and Maryland. Additional defendants charged include "recruiters" to bring in would-be buyers. It offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. : 23-60005-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Sanon, case no. Federal prosecutors in Miami announced Wednesday that they had charged 25 people including the owners of South Florida for-profit colleges with selling fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts to people seeking licenses and jobs as nurses. And the charging documents state that Siena Colleges manager, Eugene Sanon, worked with recruiters based in New York and New Jersey to sell fraudulent degrees from that school to non-students. This policy extends to all rights, privileges, programs and activities, including admissions, financial assistance, educational and athletic programs, housing, employment, compensation, employee benefits, and the providing of, or access to services or facilities.