⏱ 2 min read
Carleen Noreus, a 52-year-old nursing school owner, has pleaded guilty to running a massive diploma mill in South Florida, selling thousands of fake nursing diplomas to individuals seeking licenses and employment. The scheme, which operated from April 2018 to October 2025, involved Noreus and others selling bogus diplomas and transcripts to people who had not completed the required coursework or clinical training. The fake documents allowed purchasers to sit for national nursing board exams and obtain nursing licenses, putting the public at risk.
Noreus, of Plantation, owned and operated two nursing schools in South Florida: Carleen Home Health School, Inc. in Plantation and Carleen Home Health School II, Inc. in West Palm Beach. She conspired with others to sell the fake diplomas and transcripts, which falsely represented that purchasers had completed the academic and clinical requirements of the schools.
The investigation found that Noreus was responsible for providing 2,956 fraudulent nursing diplomas, undermining the integrity of the nursing profession and the healthcare system. The guilty plea is a significant blow to those who would seek to profit from corrupting professional licensing processes.
The case was prosecuted by the Southern District of Florida, with the U.S. Attorney’s office stating that nursing licenses must be earned through education, training, and demonstrated competence, not purchased through fraud. Noreus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to money laundering.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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