Cuomo Announces Arrest Of Niskayuna Nurse Who Stole Narcotics From A Nursing Home

ALBANY, NY (July 30, 2007) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the arrest of a Niskayuna nurse who stole narcotics from a nursing home and then falsified records at the home to conceal her theft. She also filed for renewal of her nursing licensing by falsely denying that she had been fired from her job for that activity.

Licensed Practical Nurse Kimberly Kozakiewicz, 32, of Michigan Avenue, Schenectady, was charged in a felony complaint with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Falsification of Business Records, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing, and misdemeanor Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. She was arraigned in the City Court of Schenectady by City Judge Vincent W. Versaci and pleaded not guilty to all the counts of the complaint. She is due back in court on August 1.

“My office will ensure that nursing homes are not treated as drug stockpiles for unscrupulous caregivers,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “This behavior drives up the cost of health care and endangers patients who are most in need.”

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General John P. Miller of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Albany Regional Office, under the supervision of Special Deputy Attorney General Heidi Wendel, Chief of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Special Investigator Francis Galerie and Medical Analyst Stephanie Keyser, R.N. conducted the investigation of the case.

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.