UPDATE: A Baltimore County woman has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for impersonating a nurse at over 40 health care facilities across Maryland. Thomasina Amponsah, 51, was convicted of federal identity theft charges after pleading guilty in August.
In a shocking case that unfolded from 2019 to 2023, Amponsah used stolen credentials to secure positions in nursing homes, Medicaid and Medicare programs, and even a public school in Baltimore County. U.S. Senior District Judge Richard D. Bennett delivered the sentence on Tuesday, emphasizing the gravity of her actions.
Court documents revealed that Amponsah provided health care services using two stolen identities, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors disclosed alarming details of her misconduct; at one facility, she neglected to administer prescribed medication to multiple patients and falsified numerous medical records. Despite being terminated from two jobs by October 2022, she continued to pose as a “licensed nurse” until August 2023.
In addition to her prison sentence, Amponsah is required to pay more than $145,000 in restitution and will undergo three years of supervised release, the maximum allowable under her plea agreement.
The case raises serious concerns about patient safety and the integrity of health care systems. Amponsah’s actions have put countless patients at risk, highlighting the urgent need for stricter verification processes in health care employment.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to step forward. As the investigation continues, the implications of Amponsah’s actions will resonate throughout the healthcare community and beyond.
This disturbing incident serves as a wake-up call for vigilance in health care practices and reminds us of the critical importance of verifying the credentials of those who provide medical care. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
