Prosecutors: 2 workers from Suffolk pediatric doctor's office sold fake COVID vaccination cards

The suspects also allegedly entered the information, vaccine lot numbers, into the New York State Department of Health database to make it appear like people got the vaccine when they didn't.

News 12 Staff

Jan 28, 2022, 8:48 PM

Updated 979 days ago

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Two workers from a pediatric doctor's office in Suffolk County were arrested for allegedly selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.
The suspects also allegedly entered the information, vaccine lot numbers, into the New York State Department of Health database to make it appear like people got the vaccine when they didn't.
Investigators from the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office arrested Wild Child Pediatrics owner Marissa Urraro and employee Julie DeVuono.
Prosecutors say the two women who gave out the cards and entered the information charged $220 per entry. If they were giving out a card where someone was said to be vaccinated twice, they were allegedly making $440 per person.
Prosecutors say a ledger seized as evidence shows the women profited $1.5 million in three months.
Investigators also say they found $900,000 of cash in DeVuono's home. She is accused of using her credentials to enter the information.
"She is basically an individual who's been licensed for years, who's known in the community, she's got a presumption of innocence," says her attorney, Barry Smolowitz.
Both Urraro and DeVuono were released without having to post bail following their arraignments in Central Islip.
DeVuono could lose her license with the state if convicted.
The district attorney's office tells News 12 the investigation is ongoing.
It's unclear if there is going to be any other arrests for the people who allegedly paid for the cards.