Three Charged with FEMA Fraud Over California Wildfire Relief Claims

Defendants allegedly falsified property damage claims to secure disaster relief funds meant for wildfire victims.

Three individuals from California and Texas have been charged with fraudulently claiming FEMA disaster relief funds following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles County.
The wildfires, which began in January, burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, and caused 29 fatalities.
The defendants allegedly submitted false claims for properties they did not own, rent, or live in, securing tens of thousands of dollars in FEMA benefits.
One defendant, Joyce Turner, reportedly has a history of fraud and submitted multiple false claims tied to past natural disasters, including hurricanes.
If convicted, the defendants face federal charges with potential prison sentences ranging from five to 30 years.