South Florida nursing school owner admits role in major fraud scheme involving fake diplomas and nursing transcripts
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A South Florida nursing school owner has admitted her role in a large fraud scheme that authorities say allowed thousands of individuals to obtain nursing credentials without completing the education and training normally required for the profession.
Following a two-week trial in Fort Lauderdale, 52-year-old Carleen Noreus of Plantation pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Federal prosecutors said the case centered on the sale of fraudulent nursing diplomas and academic transcripts that falsely indicated students had completed required coursework and clinical training programs. Authorities allege the scheme enabled individuals to pursue nursing licenses and healthcare employment despite not meeting educational requirements.
“Nursing licenses must be earned through education, training, and demonstrated competence, not purchased through fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “By selling thousands of fraudulent diplomas and transcripts, the defendant undermined the integrity of the nursing profession and our healthcare system. The Southern District of Florida remains committed to holding accountable those who profit by corrupting professional licensing processes and placing the public at risk.”
Thousands of fraudulent nursing credentials distributed
According to court records and evidence presented during trial, 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.
Federal investigators said Noreus worked with others to provide nursing diplomas and transcripts to individuals who had not completed the required academic or clinical requirements necessary to earn Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Vocational Nurse, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing credentials.
The documents falsely represented that recipients had successfully completed educational programs when, according to prosecutors, they had not.
Authorities said those records allowed purchasers to apply for and take national nursing board examinations. Once some of those individuals passed the exams, they were able to obtain nursing licenses and secure employment in healthcare facilities in Florida and elsewhere in the United States.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that from April 17, 2018, through Oct. 8, 2025, Noreus was responsible for providing 2,956 fraudulent nursing diplomas through the two schools.
As a result of the investigation, state authorities have since shut down both institutions.
Thousands later obtained nursing licenses
Investigators determined that many of the individuals who received the fraudulent credentials successfully moved further into the licensing process.
According to federal authorities, approximately 2,274 people who obtained documents from the schools went on to pass nursing board examinations. Those successful exam results allowed them to obtain nursing licenses and work as nurses in Florida and throughout the country.
Federal prosecutors argued that the scheme created an unlawful shortcut into a profession that requires extensive education, training, and demonstrated competency to protect patients.
The case is part of the second phase of Operation Nightingale, a nationwide investigation targeting fraudulent diploma operations connected to for-profit nursing schools in South Florida.
Authorities said the second phase of the operation resulted in fraud-related charges against 13 defendants, including Noreus, who were accused of participating in the sale of fraudulent nursing diplomas and transcripts.
The operation follows an earlier phase that concluded in 2023. During that first phase, 30 defendants were charged and later convicted either through guilty pleas or trial verdicts.
Sentencing still ahead
Although Noreus has now admitted guilt, her punishment has not yet been determined.
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She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A federal judge will determine the final sentence after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Miami Field Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Federal officials said the case demonstrates their continuing efforts to protect the integrity of professional licensing systems and ensure that healthcare workers meet the educational standards required for patient care.
With thousands of fraudulent diplomas linked to the scheme and thousands of individuals later obtaining nursing licenses, the case has become one of the most significant nursing credential fraud investigations uncovered in recent years.
