EAST HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 30-year-old New Jersey woman has been charged after allegedly using a false identity and fake medical records to receive over $560,000 in hospital services for a condition she did not have, police said.
Taleah Javon McKnight of Carteret is facing charges of theft by deception and theft of services following an investigation by East Hempfield Township Police. Authorities say McKnight checked herself into Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center in February 2024 under a false name, claiming to suffer from sickle cell anemia.
McKnight submitted documentation purportedly signed by a physician, indicating she had sickle cell anemia and would self-pay for the treatment. She remained hospitalized for approximately one month.
Hospital staff grew suspicious and conducted diagnostic testing, which showed she did not have the illness. When confronted about the findings and questioned about her ability to pay, McKnight allegedly provided identification with another false name, discharged herself against medical advice, and left the facility.
Investigation reveals social media evidence and prior hospital visits
According to investigators, McKnight had been treated under different names at other hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Security staff identified her after finding multiple social media accounts, photos, and videos of her in hospital rooms, along with GoFundMe campaigns that appeared to solicit donations for hospital expenses under yet another alias.
Authorities confirmed that Medicare and Medicaid had no records under the name McKnight used at Penn State Health, and the hospital received no reimbursement.
She was arraigned in March before Judge Brian Chudzik, who set her bail at $150,000 unsecured. McKnight is currently free on that amount pending further court proceedings.
Woman allegedly posed as sickle cell patient to obtain $560K in unpaid medical services
