A woman who allegedly worked as a nurse at several Western Pennsylvania healthcare facilities for the last five years has been identified as a fraudulent medical practitioner, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities say Shannon Nicole Womack, 39, is not a licensed nurse, despite holding positions ranging from LPN and RN to RN supervisor across multiple counties.
Investigators say Womack used at least 20 aliases and seven different Social Security numbers, along with nursing credentials stolen from four real nurses based in southern U.S. states. She is also listed on Georgia’s “nursing imposter alerts”, raising red flags about her activity in other jurisdictions as well.
“The investigation showcased Womack was using the identification and nursing certifications from four different confirmed nurses from Southern states,” said Trooper Rocco Gagliardi of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Multiple Counties, Multiple Jobs—But No License
According to state police, Womack secured jobs at numerous facilities across Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, including:
- Cornerview Nursing, Eldercrest, and Harmar Village (Allegheny County)
- Beaver Valley Health Care (Beaver County)
- Greenery Center and Southmont (Washington County)
- Oak Hill (Westmoreland County)
Records show she worked between one and 10 shifts at each facility before being placed on “do not retain” lists due to issues ranging from professional misconduct and poor performance to alleged theft of prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
Traffic Stop Unravels a Complex Fraud Scheme
Womack’s alleged fraud was uncovered during a routine traffic stop in Cecil Township in April. When troopers pulled her over, she reportedly gave aliases tied to multiple active warrants. A search of her vehicle revealed:
- Multiple fake IDs
- Medical records belonging to residents of various nursing homes
- Prescription medications linked to patients at those facilities
Authorities say Womack even created her own staffing agency, using it as a front to secure nursing assignments through employment calls and forged references—allegedly circumventing background checks with fake documentation.
“Womack obtained employment through staffing agencies and even created her own host agency. She was picking up the phone and transferring those employment jobs and careers to herself,” said Trooper Gagliardi.
Officials Condemn Abuse of Elderly Patients
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh called the case “vile,” noting that Womack’s actions has a broader impact on vulnerable populations.
“This is a vile act or acts… taking advantage of older citizens in this Commonwealth… [who were] not receiving the care or medication they need because of someone who put themselves in this position to defraud them,” Walsh stated.
Womack is currently in custody as investigators work to determine the full scope of the deception, including whether additional charges will be filed in other states.
