Alleged Imposter Nurse Caught in El Paso on $130k Bond

Margarita Gonzalez, 43, was arrested on July 11, 2024, in El Paso, Texas, on multiple health care fraud warrants. Texas investigators linked over $548,000 in Medicaid overpayments to her alleged work as an unlicensed nurse. The charges include various counts of health care fraud and fraudulent use of identifying information, with offense dates ranging from January 2023 to July 2025.

This arrest follows a May 2024 indictment in New Mexico. Prosecutors there alleged Gonzalez assumed the identities of licensed nurses to work at four Las Cruces facilities. She is accused of illegally providing patient care, including administering injections and dispensing medications. A potential insulin error was reportedly caught before a patient received it.

Gonzalez was terminated by several facilities due to patient safety concerns and questionable medical practices. The Texas Board of Nursing had previously issued an imposter alert concerning individuals using names similar to hers. A jury trial in New Mexico is scheduled for August 23, 2024.

Authorities advise patients and families to verify caregiver credentials by asking for full names and license types and using tools like the Nursys QuickConfirm tool. Reviewing billing statements for unrecognized services and reporting suspicious activity to facility administrators or licensing boards is also recommended.