In a case that has shaken trust in the healthcare staffing system, a Houston man is facing serious charges after allegedly posing as a licensed nurse and treating some of the city’s most vulnerable residents — disabled individuals who relied on professional care for their daily survival.
Dazael Gloria, 33, is at the center of a criminal investigation after authorities say he practiced nursing without a valid license while employed by two different home healthcare agencies in Harris County, Texas. His alleged deception spanned more than a year and involved the unauthorized use of a relative’s identity to gain employment and access to patients in need of constant medical attention.
A Fraudulent Career in Care
According to a criminal complaint filed by Houston police, Gloria’s misrepresentation dates back to at least August 2022 and continued until October 2023. In October 2024 alone, police say he practiced nursing on at least three separate occasions without proper credentials. He is now formally charged with practicing nursing using a fraudulent license.
The deception began with an online job application submitted under his relative’s name. Gloria allegedly provided forged documentation, certifications, and credentials, attending the mandatory orientation and beginning work as if he were a legitimate licensed nurse.
One of his primary assignments involved the care of a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound adult patient. This patient, who suffers from significant physical and cognitive disabilities, required around-the-clock assistance. Duties included feeding, administering oxygen, bathing, and maintaining basic hygiene — services that demand skill, training, and accountability.
But during one shift, Gloria allegedly left the patient unattended. A fellow nurse arrived to relieve him and found the patient alone, prompting immediate concern. When confronted, Gloria claimed he had been assaulted while taking out the trash and was too afraid to return to the patient’s apartment. The suspicious nature of the incident raised red flags among staff.
Caught Through Photo Identification
Following the incident, an investigator with the Texas Board of Nursing presented staff at the agency with two photos: one of Gloria’s licensed relative and another of Gloria himself. Staff quickly identified Gloria as the man who had been working shifts under the relative’s name.
This revelation sparked a deeper investigation, revealing Gloria had moved on to another healthcare agency, again using the same deceptive tactics. During his employment there, he allegedly performed duties that would normally be reserved for licensed professionals — administering medication, checking vital signs, and responding to potential emergencies.
Disturbingly, some of the patients he treated included a five-year-old child and a 27-year-old adult with disabilities. These individuals, often unable to advocate for themselves, were dependent on caregivers who are trained, vetted, and monitored. Gloria’s alleged actions exposed them to considerable risk.
A History of Revoked Credentials
Court documents indicate that Gloria once held a legitimate nursing license but voluntarily surrendered it in February 2020. The reasons behind that surrender have not been made public, but the act of surrendering a license typically follows either a disciplinary issue or an inability to meet state-mandated requirements.
Despite no longer holding a valid license, Gloria allegedly chose to continue presenting himself as a medical professional, using someone else’s credentials to gain employment and access to vulnerable clients.
So far, court records do not suggest the relative was aware of the identity theft. Whether they were a willing accomplice or another victim in this case remains under investigation.
Implications for Healthcare Safety
This incident raises pressing questions about the safeguards in place within the home healthcare industry — a sector already under strain due to staffing shortages, rising demand, and high turnover rates.
Healthcare agencies, especially those providing in-home services, must rely heavily on documentation and background checks to vet candidates. Yet, as this case demonstrates, fraudulent actors can still find cracks to slip through, particularly if identity theft is involved.
Moreover, the fact that Gloria was able to pass through two different employers using false credentials highlights a system that may be too easily manipulated by determined impostors.
The Texas Board of Nursing and local investigators were instrumental in identifying the fraud, but by the time Gloria was discovered, he had already spent over a year in a role of enormous responsibility and trust.
The Search for Justice
As of now, police are actively searching for Gloria, who remains at large. He faces charges of practicing nursing without a valid license, among other possible legal consequences. His alleged actions, if proven true, not only put patients at risk but also undermine public confidence in the safety and reliability of home healthcare services.
For families with loved ones receiving at-home care, this case serves as a sobering reminder to remain vigilant, ask questions, and ensure agencies are performing thorough background checks. At the same time, it underscores the importance of stronger regulations and inter-agency cooperation to prevent impersonators from exploiting a system meant to help the most vulnerable.
While the courts will ultimately decide Gloria’s fate, the real concern lies with the patients — those who were unknowingly placed in the care of someone who may have never been qualified to treat them in the first place. Their safety and dignity must remain at the heart of any reforms that come in the wake of this case.
