HARRISBURG, PA — A medical assistant in Philadelphia has pleaded guilty to 11 felony counts for stealing patient information and using it to fraudulently open credit cards, make purchases, and lease an apartment. Attorney General Michelle Henry called the actions a breach of trust and emphasized the severity of the crimes.
Ashley Latimer, 35, will serve two to five years in state prison, followed by two years of probation, in accordance with a plea agreement. Latimer also agreed to relinquish her medical assistant license.
Latimer entered the plea Monday in Montgomery County Court. She is also ordered to pay more than $31,000 in restitution.
Latimer was working as a medical assistant at Axia Women’s Health locations when she obtained the confidential patient information to open the accounts for personal use.
“The defendant was a licensed medical professional trusted to care for and protect her patients. She broke that trust by stealing their information and bankrolling her own personal spending spree,” said Attorney General Henry. “This state prison sentence shows the egregiousness of the defendant’s conduct and crimes. My office is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting individuals who steal personal information from others for their own financial benefit.”
An investigation by the Office of Attorney General found that Latimer used her cell phone to take photos of patient information forms and licenses while working at the Montgomery County clinics. She then used the information to open credit cards and make purchases — including more than $30,000 in orders from online furniture retailer, Wayfair.
Latimer also rented an apartment — making a move-in payment and monthly rent — in the name of a patient, who was unaware until contacted by authorities.
This case was investigated by Special Agent Mike McNicholas and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Katherine McDermott.
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