HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- The owner of a Long Island pediatric health office is under arrest for allegedly forging COVID-19 vaccination records that were entered into the state’s database.
Julie DeVuono, 49, is the owner of Wild Child Pediatric Health Care in Amityville. She, along with employee Marissa Urrano, 44, were charged Friday with forgery. DeVuono was also charged with offering a false instrument for filing.
“These individuals allegedly used their positions as licensed healthcare professionals to engage in criminal conduct for their financial benefit,” said Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney. “I hope this sends a message to others who are considering gaming the system that they will get caught.”
DeVuono is a nurse practitioner, and Urrano is a licensed practical nurse, who are accused of using their positions to obtain COVID vaccines and vaccine cards from the state’s Department of Health.
Prosecutors said each false entry cost $220 for adults and $85 for kids.
Prosecutors said the duo forged the vaccine cards to say a vaccine was given to an undercover detective when it was never actually administered.
Officials said during a court-authorized search of DeVuono’s home, officers seized $900,000 cash and a ledger documenting profits of over $1.5 million from the illegal activities from November 2021 to January 2022.
“As nurses, these two individuals should understand the importance of legitimate vaccination cards as well as work together to protect public health,” said Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
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