Woman admits to posing as physician’s assistant

BALTIMORE (AP) — An Annapolis woman has admitted to posing as a licensed physician’s assistant and diagnosing and treating children.

Thirty-seven-year-old Shawna Michelle Gunter pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft Wednesday in federal court in Baltimore.

According to her plea agreement, Gunter took a job as a physician’s assistant with a pediatrician. Prosecutors say Gunter gave the doctor a forged physician’s assistant certificate with the license number of an actual physician’s assistant.

Authorities say Gunter diagnosed and treated more 200 infants and children, and issued over 400 prescriptions for controlled substances.

Gunter faces a maximum of 20 years in prison at sentencing on Jan. 30.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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