Kalispell, MT – A Kalispell woman has pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme that involved the theft of personal information from patients at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. On Friday, Alecia Mae Leonetti, 50, admitted to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the fraudulent use of stolen credit and debit cards.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Leonetti used the personal data obtained from patient records at the medical center to activate and make unauthorized transactions using stolen financial information. The scheme, which exploited sensitive patient information, led to a series of illegal purchases that were traced back to her involvement.
The case was heard before U.S. Magistrate Kathleen L. DeSoto. As part of her guilty plea, Leonetti acknowledged the criminal conduct and the severity of the identity theft that impacted several victims.
Wire fraud and aggravated identity theft are serious federal offenses, with significant penalties for those convicted. Leonetti’s guilty plea follows an investigation into the breach of patient data, which raised concerns about the security of sensitive medical records.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not immediately release further details about the sentencing date or whether any other individuals are involved in the case. Leonetti’s guilty plea marks an important step in the ongoing effort to hold individuals accountable for identity theft and fraud in the healthcare sector.
The case highlights the growing concern surrounding cybercrime and data breaches in healthcare facilities, where personal and financial information is often vulnerable to theft and misuse.
