Valley Woman Hit with $500K Medical Bill After Ex-Husband Allegedly Leaks ID

PHOENIX — A 47-year-old woman was arrested Saturday on charges of fraud, theft, and criminal impersonation after allegedly amassing up to $500,000 in medical bills using another person’s identity, officials said.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported that Shannon Smith received medical care under the name of Jennifer O’Connor, a Phoenix resident. O’Connor first alerted officials in November 2023 after receiving an unexplained $26,500 bill from Banner Health.

O’Connor stated she had received numerous bills from various hospitals, including a staggering $200,000 for a two-night stay at Honor Health. Despite her efforts to dispute the charges, her employer began deducting sums from her paycheck for nearly a year before reimbursing her once the error was discovered.

“I’m still getting bills,” O’Connor said. “I don’t think this is ever going away.” Her latest bill was a $300 emergency room visit that landed on her doorstep Friday.

MCSO’s investigation revealed that Smith was previously involved in a trespassing incident which incorrectly resulted in a misdemeanor warrant for O’Connor, only later clarified through body-worn camera footage.

Using a phone number provided by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, investigators traced the application for medical benefits under O’Connor’s name back to her ex-husband, who had once dated Smith. “Our suspect, Shannon Smith, dated the ex-husband of the victim, and that’s how the information was shared,” said Sergeant Joaquin Enriquez with MCSO. No charges have been filed against the ex-husband yet, though this may change pending further investigation.

Smith allegedly admitted to the fraudulent activities, including impersonating O’Connor during encounters with officials in Phoenix and Peoria. She reportedly faked medical emergencies during previous arrests to receive treatment under O’Connor’s name.

O’Connor expressed deep concern about the long-term consequences of Smith’s actions. “What scares me is they got her blood type in my medical record now so if anything, God forbid, happens to me they give me the wrong blood, I’m dead,” she said.

Related Information

Understanding “The Valley”: The Phoenix Metropolitan Area, known as “The Valley,” is the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest. It comprises several major cities such as Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tempe. As per the 2020 United States Census, it has a population of 4,845,832, making it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country.

Maricopa County Overview: Maricopa County is the 4th largest county in the U.S. by population, with 4,485,414 residents according to the 2020 Census. The county, which includes Phoenix, spans 9,224 square miles and is home to one of the largest park systems in the nation.