JUNEAU — A Reeseville woman forged a doctor's signature and used a former employer's credit card to purchase a personal computer and supplies, according to police.
Nicole Fitzsimmons, 26, Reeseville, was released on a $1,000 signature bond Monday after being charged with four counts of felony identity theft. If convicted, she could face up to 24 years in prison and $40,000 in fines.
Kunkel Engineering Group in Beaver Dam reported in September that Fitzsimmons had used a company credit card to purchase a laptop computer, printer, camera and supplies from Staples. Fitzsimmons had worked for Kunkel Engineering Group for a week in July and again in August, but was fired for sporadic attendance, according to the criminal complaint.
An investigator found two letters allegedly signed by Dr. Deborah Derby of an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Madison. The first letter asserted that Fitzsimmons had recently been treated by Derby, and that Fitzsimmons would be able to return to work after an absence. The second letter excused Fitzsimmons for being late for work because of an unscheduled, necessary appointment, according to the complaint.
However, when an investigator contacted Derby, she stated that she had never treated Fitzsimmons, nor had anyone in her office.
Fitzsimmons reportedly told the investigator that she had signed the letters herself, and had also used the Kunkel Engineering Group credit card to make numerous purchases.
She is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 26.