Alison Winter, a clinical social worker who served as the jailhouse therapist for Rex Heuermann, the convicted Gilgo Beach serial killer, is facing felony charges related to fraud and unlicensed practice. Winter, 52, was arrested in November 2024 and accused of posing as a licensed social worker from 2018 through 2024, according to charging documents.

Winter stands charged with three counts of grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and 14 counts of unauthorized practice of a profession. Prosecutors allege that she submitted tens of thousands of dollars in false insurance claims, receiving approximately $60,000 in reimbursements despite lacking proper licensure to provide clinical therapy.

She served as Heuermann’s therapist for nearly three years while he was in custody, including during the period in which he admitted to his wife and daughter that he was responsible for the murders of eight women. Winter’s role in providing therapy to Heuermann has drawn additional scrutiny amid the ongoing investigation.

The charges highlight concerns over regulatory oversight in the mental health profession, particularly regarding the verification of practitioners’ credentials and billing practices. Authorities continue to review the extent of Winter’s alleged misconduct and its potential impact on patients and healthcare providers.