Two nurses were detained after allegedly generating $1.5 million from a fake Covid-19 vaccination card fraud.

                                                 

Investigators discovered a COVID-19 vaccine card fraud operation in which two Long Island nurses made millions selling fraudulent vaccine cards and then entered incorrect information into the state vaccine database.

According to court records, 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.

In December, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, enacted a measure making falsifying immunization records illegal.

DeVuono was also charged with “offering a false instrument for filing,” a felony.

She used her practice, Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare, to get blank vaccine cards from the health department, the New York Daily News reported.

Police said the pair then charged $220 for adults and $85 for children to get the fake vaccine cards, and then they enter the fake information into the New York State Immunization Information System, claiming a vaccine was given.

“As nurses, these two individuals should understand the importance of legitimate vaccination cards as we all work together to protect public health,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison said in a statement Friday.

In a search of DeVuono’s residence, police found $900,000 in cash and records indicating that she had made over $1.5 million in the scheme since November, The Daily News reported.

Police found some of the money in helmet bags issued by the New York City Police Department, the paper said. Because of the scheme, DeVuono’s husband, NYPD Officer Derin DeVuono, is now being investigated by the department for any possible involvement in the fraud scheme, The Daily News reported, citing anonymous sources.

NYPD did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.

DeVuono and Urraro, who were released without bail, are due to appear in Suffolk First District Court on February 8.

Records show DeVuono is represented by Attorney Barry Mark Smolowitz, who did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.

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."

"It's critical that no haste is taken in creating an opinion against a well-respected (licensed practical nurse)," Alber told Insider. "We're looking forward to exposing the investigation's legal flaws and obstructions."

"An accusation should not eclipse Ms. Urraro's wonderful efforts in the medical area for children and adults," he continued.

www.myjoyonline.com