Nurse Imposter Is Sentenced

(Phoenix, Ariz. – August 19, 2005)  Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced the sentencing of Mildreada Ruiz (aka Nidia Bernal or Nidia Arias) of Phoenix. Ruiz, 46, pleaded guilty to one count Theft.

Ruiz impersonated a registered nurse and was hired by a Phoenix dialysis center, Davita, Inc. and a Casa Grande dialysis center in Casa Grande between September 2004 and November 2004. The defendant searched the Arizona State Board of Nursing Web site, took the identity of one of the nurses listed and obtained picture identifications using that name.

Ruiz used the false name and completed employment applications and failed to disclose her criminal history. She also obtained a fraudulent Social Security card, driver’s license and a copy of a nursing license to prove her nursing credentials.

As part of her sentence, Ruiz was ordered to serve two and a half years in prison, and pay $32,468.50 in restitution to Davita, Inc. and Western Skies Dialysis, Inc. Assistant Attorney General Steve Duplissis prosecuted this case.