Make the016.com a preferred choice with Google by clicking here Google Preferred Source Badge


Worcester nurse staffing firm, owner indicted in fraud case


  • Worcester County Courthouse (mass.gov)

    WORCESTER — A Worcester-based temporary nurse staffing agency and its owner have been indicted for allegedly placing uncertified workers in nursing homes and billing facilities more than $300,000 for their services, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

    A Worcester County Grand Jury returned 13 indictments against Blooming Staffing Agency, Inc.; its owner, Catherine Kibe, 46, of Worcester; and a former employee, Osaretin “Jerry” Osazee, 29, also of Worcester. The charges include multiple counts of larceny by false pretenses, attempted larceny, and identity fraud.

    Prosecutors allege that Kibe, who has owned Blooming since 2020, knowingly allowed uncertified individuals to work as Certified Nursing Assistants in area nursing homes. The uncertified aides, lacking proper training and credentials, allegedly put patients at risk while the company billed facilities as if licensed CNAs had provided the care.

    According to the Attorney General’s Office, Osazee worked for Blooming between 2023 and 2024 and posed as a certified nursing assistant under another employee’s identity at Kibe’s direction. The agency allegedly billed and received over $300,000 for CNA services not performed by certified personnel.

    The indictments are part of the AG’s broader effort to address misconduct by temporary nurse staffing agencies and protect vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office said it has recovered nearly $900,000 through five settlements with agencies accused of violating Department of Public Health regulations.

Announcements