Fake Nurse Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud, Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity Fraud

St. Louis, MO – Benjamin David Danneman, 37, of Eureka, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for healthcare fraud, social security fraud and aggravated identity fraud.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White. 

According to court documents, Danneman was not a nurse, but used the name and nursing license number of an actual licensed registered nurse to obtain work in the St. Louis area at Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village, the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Des Peres Healthcare. Danneman was hired by Des Peres as the assistant director of nursing at the Quarters of Des Peres at an annual salary of $68,000. At these health care facilities, he was responsible for the day to day care of patients needing skilled nursing care. Further, according to court documents, during 2017 and 2018 in at least six states, Danneman used the names, Social Security account numbers, nursing license numbers, and other personal identifying information of several persons to rent apartments and to obtain a driver’s license, loans, credit cards, and insurance.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.