CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County couple was arrested in Michigan on Monday after a woman helped her fiancée pose as a nurse who oversaw the care of an elderly man who died less than six months ago, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said.
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In a 4-minute video posted to social media, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook detailed the investigation that led to the arrest of Julien Williams and Alexiea Irwin.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began after an elderly man died from natural causes in October while under the care of a “licensed home health aid,” who turned out to be Williams.
In September 2024, Irwin worked at BrightStar Care, a company based out of Jacksonville. The CCSO said she handled patient information, scheduling and human resources duties.
While employed with BrightStar, Irwin convinced the company to hire Williams, her fiancé, by falsifying documents to help him get the job as a home health aid.
Williams was not qualified to apply for the position as he was untrained as a home health aid nor was he licensed as a nurse.
Sheriff Cook said Irwin used a former licensed practicing nurse’s identity and employment information so Williams could pose as a nurse.
Under the falsified credentials, Williams was paired with the Clay County family, where he was responsible for the care of the man, who died from natural causes on Oct. 13, 2024.
The home care company paid Williams a higher wage because of the perceived license status, CCSO said.
The fraud investigation sparked after family members of the elderly man became suspicious of Williams' experience and because Williams and Irwin left the company shortly after the death of their loved one.
The CCSO issued arrest warrants for the couple after an extensive monthslong investigation.
They were arrested by U.S. Marshals in Michigan on Monday and now face 14 counts of practicing medicine without a license, one count of criminal use of personal identification, and one count of schemes to defraud.
There was no evidence to prove that the elderly man’s cause of death was connected to Williams and Irwin, so they wouldn’t face a manslaughter or murder charge, according to Cook.
They are awaiting extradition back to Clay County.
Sheriff Michelle Cook’s full update can be watched below.
