In a stunning case of professional deceit, a Pittsburgh woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a registered nurse under at least 20 aliases across Pennsylvania. Identified as Shannon Nicole Womack, the accused reportedly infiltrated multiple healthcare facilities during a critical period post-2020, submitting forged documents and creating a fake company to secure jobs. The investigation, triggered by a routine traffic stop, uncovered multiple fake IDs, stolen prescriptions, and medical tools. Authorities now face a disturbing trail of impersonation and patient endangerment within trusted care spaces.

Story Highlights:

• Suspect: Shannon Nicole Womack, 39, of Pittsburgh

• Charges: 43 counts, including identity theft, forgery, and endangerment

• Timeline: Alleged activity began in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic

• Modus Operandi: Fake LLC creation, false documents, job-hopping through staffing agencies

• Discovery: Traffic stop led to IDs, prescriptions, and equipment linked to multiple victims

• Scope: Linked to 20 aliases, 7 Social Security numbers, 4 stolen nurse identities

• Known Aliases: Includes Shannon Nicole Parham, Abiola, Lawson, Robinson, Grimes

• Legal Status: No attorney listed as of July 23

• Collaborating Agencies: PA State Police, Dept. of Health, Dept. of State, district attorneys, and interstate partners

In a disturbing case that exposes vulnerabilities within the healthcare staffing system, a Pennsylvania woman is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly posing as a nurse using a web of false identities. Authorities say she moved from one facility to another, slipping into nursing roles using forged credentials and a handful of aliases, all while potentially endangering patients under her care.

Shannon Nicole Womack, 39, of Pittsburgh, has been charged with 43 counts, including identity theft, forgery, endangering the welfare of care-dependent persons, procurement fraud, and impersonating a licensed professional. The charges stem from a sprawling investigation led by Pennsylvania State Police, with cooperation from various state agencies.

Authorities allege Womack’s deception dates back to 2020—a time when the healthcare sector was particularly vulnerable due to the overwhelming demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Desperate for workers, many rehabilitation and nursing homes leaned heavily on staffing agencies to fill shifts. That demand, police suggest, created the perfect cover for someone like Womack.

“During that COVID time, they got hit hard, and they needed help,” said Trooper Rocco Gagliardi during a news conference.
“So it wasn’t uncommon for these different residence locations, agencies, to reach out to host agencies and say we need some extra shifts filled. That started in 2020, and it was such an easy transition; she just kept going after that.”

According to investigators, Womack allegedly obtained positions in multiple care facilities by submitting fraudulently signed documents. In some instances, she even established a fake limited liability company (LLC) to route herself through the staffing process, making it appear as though she was arriving through official channels.

Though she reportedly did not remain long at any one job, police say her ability to circulate quickly allowed her to keep moving undetected. Her method of operation, officials believe, followed a consistent pattern—one that spanned across several states on the East Coast, though the charges currently focus on her activities within Pennsylvania.

The case unraveled in April during what initially appeared to be a routine traffic stop. State troopers pulled over a Mercedes-Benz on Interstate 79 in Washington County. Womack, who was behind the wheel, presented what was later determined to be a fake ID. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a trove of suspicious items: multiple identification cards, medical documents, prescription medications belonging to other individuals, and various pieces of medical equipment.

That roadside discovery quickly spiraled into a much deeper investigation.

“This wasn’t a one-time offense,” said a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Department of State.
“The pattern, the repetition, the layers of fraud—it all points to a calculated effort that went unchecked for far too long.”

As the probe deepened, police say they uncovered at least 20 aliases linked to Womack and seven different Social Security numbers used across applications. More alarmingly, she had allegedly assumed the identities of four legitimate nurses from southern states, including their professional credentials.

Some of the known aliases include Shannon Nicole Parham, Shannon Nicole Abiola, Shannon Nicole Grimes, and Shannon Nicole Lawson, among others.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of State, along with several district attorneys, are now collaborating with other states to determine the full extent of Womack’s activities.

“This case is not just about one woman’s deception,” added Trooper Gagliardi.
“It’s a wake-up call about the ease with which the system can be manipulated when the right safeguards aren’t in place.”

As of July 23, court records show Womack has not retained an attorney. Her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled publicly.

The case continues to develop as more agencies join the investigation.

The case of Shannon Nicole Womack casts a troubling light on the gaps within healthcare hiring systems, particularly during times of crisis. As authorities continue to unravel the extent of her alleged deception, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter verification protocols in medical staffing. While no confirmed harm to patients has yet been reported, the ease with which Womack allegedly accessed sensitive care roles raises serious concerns about public trust and safety. Her arrest serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for accountability within the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

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