Full Breakdown
Nurse Angelina Reyes Fights Conviction After Scamming Colleagues
3/1/2026, 7:45:38 AM
Overview of the Case
Angelina Reyes, a nurse, has been convicted of defrauding her colleagues out of approximately $112,000 by fabricating personal crises to solicit money. Reyes' actions included claiming her mother was gravely ill and later deceased, as well as fabricating stories about her father's health. Despite her conviction, Reyes is now appealing for a discharge without conviction, citing her efforts to address her gambling addiction.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Reyes' deception began in December 2023 when she informed a colleague that her mother was sick in the Philippines. Over the following months, she concocted increasingly elaborate stories, including a supposed heart surgery that required $90,000 and a claim that her father was hospitalized with a serious condition. These narratives led to multiple colleagues transferring significant sums of money to her, including $36,000 from one victim and $107,200 from another, all under the pretense of urgent financial needs.
During this period, Reyes attended a Taylor Swift concert in Sydney and a Yankees game in New York, while falsely claiming bereavement leave from work. She later admitted to police that her gambling addiction was the root cause of her actions, stating, “I had a big gambling problem.”
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Denise Clark, who presided over Reyes' sentencing, acknowledged the steps Reyes had taken to address her gambling issues, including self-referral to the Problem Gambling Foundation. However, she emphasized the severity of Reyes' actions, stating, “You became a liar and a manipulator.” The judge ultimately decided that a conviction was necessary, despite recognizing Reyes' potential for rehabilitation.
Reyes' defense counsel, Raewyn Sporle, argued for a discharge without conviction, highlighting that Reyes had repaid her victims and was a promising nurse. Sporle noted that losing her nursing license would severely impact Reyes' ability to repay her debts.
Criticism & Opposition
While some have expressed sympathy for Reyes' situation, others argue that her actions have caused significant harm to her victims, who felt manipulated and ashamed. The judge pointed out that the victims should not feel shame for being deceived, indicating a broader concern about the impact of such fraudulent behavior on trust within professional environments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It leads people into places where they will do things that they would otherwise not do.” — Judge Denise Clark
- “With you, you became a liar and a manipulator.” — Judge Denise Clark
- “She has taken steps so that nothing like this will happen again, and she is a promising nurse.” — Raewyn Sporle, Defense Counsel
What's Next
Reyes is currently appealing her conviction, seeking a discharge without conviction. The outcome of this appeal will determine her future in the nursing profession and her ability to continue repaying her victims. The Nursing Council has indicated that her conviction could jeopardize her career, further complicating her path to recovery and restitution.
