Nurse Impostor Arrested in Atlanta: How a Repeat Offender Almost Got Hired Again

Nurse Impostor Arrested in Atlanta: How a Repeat Offender Almost Got Hired Again

In a disturbing incident that underscores the critical importance of verifying professional credentials in healthcare, a 56-year-old man from Stockbridge, Georgia, has been arrested for impersonating a nurse—again.

Lonnie Robert Williams, who also goes by the alias Lonnie R. Releford, was taken into custody after allegedly applying for a supervisory nursing position at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta using fraudulent credentials. According to officials, Williams presented a nursing license that he claimed was issued in January 1994 and valid through 2027.

However, his application raised red flags. Staff members at the facility recognized his name from the Georgia Secretary of State’s list of known nursing impostors and immediately reported the situation. A quick check confirmed their suspicions: Williams was not licensed and had a history of posing as a registered nurse.

The Georgia Board of Nursing further revealed that Williams had previously impersonated a nurse at St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah. In that instance, he assumed the identity of a legitimately licensed nurse named Robert L. Williams and used it to gain employment under false pretenses.

Williams has now been charged with unlawful practice as a registered professional nurse. He is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail with a bond set at $4,000.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by healthcare impostors and the need for robust verification systems during the hiring process. As the healthcare industry grapples with staffing shortages and increasing pressure on medical facilities, ensuring the legitimacy of professionals in patient care roles remains a top priority for public safety.

To stay updated on nursing impostor alerts in Georgia, you can visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s official registry at sos.ga.gov.

Read more on Fox5 Atlanta’s full report:fox5atlanta.com/news/linnie-williams-arrest-nurse-impersonation-atlanta