Idaho woman accused of posing as nurse to obtain jobs at healthcare facilities

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A Caldwell woman is among hundreds of people charged in what federal officials are calling one of the largest healthcare fraud enforcement actions in U.S. history.

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced charges against 455 defendants nationwide as part of its 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. Federal officials allege the schemes involved more than $6.5 billion in false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid and other healthcare programs.

Among those charged is 47-year-old Niki Rashel Cook of Caldwell.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho, Cook was charged by indictment with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs by falsely representing herself as a licensed healthcare professional.

Federal prosecutors allege Cook used the names and nursing licenses of other individuals to apply for and obtain jobs at several healthcare facilities, including a behavioral health hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility and businesses providing hospice services.

According to the indictment, Cook earned more than $22,000 through the alleged scheme.

The Idaho case was announced as part of a nationwide healthcare fraud crackdown involving federal and state law enforcement agencies in 45 states. The Department of Justice said the operation resulted in the seizure of more than $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry and other assets.

Officials said approximately 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals were among those charged in the nationwide investigation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho and Idaho's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit participated in the enforcement effort.

The case against Cook was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Boise Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is an allegation of wrongdoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.