Charges filed against fake nurse who duped multiple L.A. hospitals

A Virginia woman who police say posed as a nurse and treated dozens of patients at multiple Los Angeles area hospitals now faces felony charges.

Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, has been charged with one felony count each of unauthorized use of personal identifying information, false personation and grand theft, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday night.

Porter is accused of stealing the identity of an out-of-state nurse to secure employment at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, overseeing as many as 60 patients over the course of one month from April to May 2024.

Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, of Virginia, is shown in this mugshot provided by the Burbank Police Department on Nov. 14, 2024.
Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, of Virginia, is shown in this mugshot provided by the Burbank Police Department on Nov. 14, 2024.

Porter, who does not hold a nursing license, allegedly collected two paychecks before being terminated after her deception was discovered.

The charges filed against the Virginia woman include allegations that she acted with “planning, sophistication, and professionalism,” and exploited a position of trust to commit the offenses.

“Ms. Porter’s alleged actions are deeply troubling and egregious as she deceived patients and medical professionals alike, betraying the trust of those who rely on our medical community in their most vulnerable time of need,” said District Attorney George Gascón.

Fake doctor charged for allegedly performing unlicensed surgeries

Investigators believe Porter may have committed similar offenses at other hospitals in Southern California, including Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita, where she was previously arrested for impersonating a nurse.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Arias with the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3210, or provide anonymous tips at 800-222-8477.

Both hospitals stated that Porter was under probationary employment and supervised during her time on staff. Officials said they do not believe the care she provided was inadequate.

Porter pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and remains in custody without bail. She is due in court again on Dec. 2.

If convicted, Porter faces up to three years and eight months in state prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.