Miami — Federal prosecutors announced that Carleen Noreus, 52, of Plantation, Florida, admitted her role in a massive scheme that issued 2,956 fraudulent nursing diplomas between 2018 and 2025.
Noreus served as president of Carleen Home Health School Inc. in Plantation and vice president of Carleen Home Health School II Inc. in West Palm Beach. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), she and her co‑conspirators sold diplomas and transcripts to individuals who had not completed required coursework or clinical training.
The fake documents allowed buyers to sit for national nursing board exams. Of those, 2,274 passed, obtained licenses, and secured jobs in healthcare facilities across Florida and other states. Both schools have since been shut down by state authorities.
The case is part of Operation Nightingale, a multi‑state crackdown launched in 2023 targeting fraudulent nursing credentials. In its first phase, 25 individuals were charged, and more than 7,600 fake diplomas were uncovered. Noreus is among 13 defendants charged in the second phase.
She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones stated: “Nursing licenses must be earned through education, training, and demonstrated competence, not purchased through fraud. By selling thousands of fraudulent diplomas, the defendant undermined the integrity of the nursing profession and placed the public at risk.”
Key Points
- Defendant: Carleen Noreus, 52, Plantation, FL.
- Fraudulent diplomas: 2,956 issued between 2018–2025.
- Impact: 2,274 individuals passed exams, obtained licenses, and jobs.
- Charges: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money.
- Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison per count.
- Operation Nightingale: DOJ initiative uncovering 7,600 fake diplomas in South Florida.
Credit: The Jewish Voice / DOJ Statement
Subscribe to the JFN WhatsApp Channel
