NURSES-ARRESTED-COVID-VAXX-CARD-FRAUD-LONG-ISLAND
SUFFOLK COUNTY (77WABC) – Two healthcare officials have been arrested for forging COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards and entering the false information into the New York State Immunization Information System (“NYSIIS”) to indicate a vaccine was given. The nurses allegedly made more than $1.5 million from the scheme which began in November 2021.
Julie DeVuono, the owner of Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare in Amityville, and her employee, Marissa Urraro, are both charged with felony forgery, and DeVuono also is charged with offering a false instrument for filing. Both were arraigned Friday.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said DeVuono and Urraro handed out fake vaccination cards, charging $220 for adults and $85 for children. DeVuono, a nurse practitioner, and Urraro, a licensed practical nurse, entered the false information into the state’s immunization database, he said.
“As nurses, these two individuals should understand the importance of legitimate vaccination cards as we all work together to protect public health,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. “This is another example of great investigative police work by the SCPD, and I commend District Attorney Tierney for his partnership.”
DeVuono, 49, and Urraro, 44, were each charged with one count of Forgery 2nd Degree. DeVuono was also charged with an additional count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st Degree. Law enforcement officers searched DeVuono’s home and said they seized about $900,000 in cash.
Prosecutors said the nurses forged a fake card showing a vaccine was given to an undercover detective but never administered the vaccine to the detective.
“I hope this sends a message to others who are considering gaming the system that they will get caught and that we will enforce the law to the fullest extent,” Tierney said in a statement with other officials.
Urraro’s lawyer, Michael Alber, urged people not to rush to judgment about the allegations and said his client is a well-respected nurse.
“We look forward to highlighting the legal impediments and defects of the investigation,” he said Saturday. “It’s our hope that an accusation definitely doesn’t overshadow the good work Miss Urraro’s done for children and adults in the medical field.”
Messages seeking comment was left with DeVuono’s attorney.
