Crown seeks jail sentence for woman who stole identity of nurse to work in seniors homes

Convicted fraudster Hailey Roberts’ fate is now in the hands of Justice Esther Rosenberg, who heard sentencing submissions from the Crown and defence Tuesday morning.

Roberts, 34, pleaded guilty in June to fraud and assault charges when she admitted to assuming the identity of a licensed nurse so she could fraudulently work in long-term care homes in Elmvale, Midland, and Stayner for four years during the pandemic.

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The court heard from her victims, who described the personal and professional damage Roberts did to them as part of years of lying and scamming her way to more than $118,000 while working in several long-term care homes.

The licensed nurse, whose identity Roberts took, told the court of the reputational harm she suffered, resulting in fear and anxiety after realizing her name and career had been stolen by a fraudster.

Defence lawyer Mitch Eisen told the court that despite having a “loose association with the truth,” Roberts should avoid time behind bars as a first-time offender, calling her an excellent mother with a good heart.

In his arguments for leniency, Eisen told the court that at a time when the healthcare system needed help, Roberts stepped up, albeit without proper credentials, to work in seniors’ homes.

In her reply, Crown Attorney Sarah Sullivan told the court Roberts needed to be held accountable for the harm she has caused to the nursing profession and breaching the public’s trust.

“She is not an unsung hero of a beleaguered healthcare system; she is the exposed villain of it.”

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In all, Roberts was convicted of nine fraud and assault counts, including using forged documents and assaulting seniors when she used needles to administer medicine and vaccines to 58 patients in local seniors’ homes.

The Crown is asking Roberts to be sentenced to two years less a day in jail along with three years of probation and a 10-year weapons ban.

Eisen told the court today Roberts should receive a conditional sentence including community service or 12 months behind bars less credit for time she spent in jail so she can care for her three children who are under the age of five. Roberts, the court heard, is unemployed and lives with her parents.

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Roberts then read a letter to the court apologizing to her victims.

“There are no excuses for what I did,” she said. “I am not asking for forgiveness, as that is not something I am entitled to.”

Despite arriving to court without one on, Roberts wore a mask to cover her face as she entered a waiting vehicle and drove off.

The matter is scheduled to return to a virtual Collingwood courtroom later this month to set a date for sentencing.