Investigators discovered a COVID-19 vaccine card fraud operation in which two Long Island nurses and a receptionist made millions selling fake vaccine cards and then entered incorrect information into the state vaccine database.
Julie DeVuono, a 49-year-old pediatric nurse practitioner, and Marissa Urraro, a 44-year-old licensed practical nurse, were arrested on Thursday for felony second-degree forgery, according to court records.
NY nurses sell fake vaccine card
According to the New York Daily News, she obtained blank vaccine cards from the health department through her practice, Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare. Police said the two then charged $220 for adults and $85 for children to obtain fake vaccine cards, which they then entered into the New York State Immunization Information System, indicating a vaccine was delivered.
Authorities discovered $900,000 in cash and papers indicating that DeVuono had made over $1.5 million in the scheme since November during a search of her home.
DeVuono and Urraro, who were not granted bail, are scheduled to appear in Suffolk First District Court on February 8. Attorney Barry Mark Smolowitz represents DeVuono, according to court records, but he did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Third suspect was arrested
On Friday, Urraro’s attorney, Michael Joseph Alber, told Insider that his client had entered a not guilty plea and that courts are giving judgements regarding the Government overstepping its limitations.
A third arrest was made on Monday, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Brooke Hogan, 29, a receptionist at Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare, was “arrested for working in collaboration with DeVuono and Urraro for allegedly faking COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards,” said the district attorney’s office.
Hogan was charged with second-degree forgery and is scheduled to appear in court on February 8 with DeVuono and Urraro. Steven Politi, Hogan’s lawyer, did not immediately reply to an Insider request for comment.
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