Jennifer J. Weber, 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been indicted on federal charges for stealing $9,331 in FEMA disaster assistance meant for victims of the 2016 historic flooding that devastated south Louisiana. A federal grand jury returned the indictment yesterday, accusing Weber of submitting a false claim for a Denham Springs residence she did not live in at the time of the disaster.
The flooding in August 2016 ravaged 12 parishes, triggering a federal emergency declaration and unlocking FEMA aid for survivors who lost homes, food, and clothing. To qualify, applicants were required to prove they resided in the damaged property. Weber allegedly lied on her application, claiming the Denham Springs home was her primary residence and that she faced emergency needs due to flood damage—neither of which were true.
According to the indictment, Weber never lived at the Denham Springs address when the storm hit. By fabricating residency and hardship, she siphoned taxpayer-funded aid meant for those truly displaced. The theft not only defrauded the federal government but also endangered real victims whose claims could be delayed or denied due to fraudulent filings tied to their properties.
“Federal disaster assistance funds are designated for the aid of individuals affected by a disaster,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson, who also leads the National Center for Disaster Fraud. “The theft of these funds by fraudsters victimizes not only the federal government, but actual disaster victims, too.” Amundson vowed relentless pursuit of anyone exploiting disasters for personal gain.
David Green, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General’s Houston Field Office, echoed the zero-tolerance stance. “DHS-OIG will continue to hold these individuals accountable,” Green said. “Our agency is committed to pursuing criminal charges against anyone who steals from the U.S. taxpayer through fake FEMA claims.”
The public is urged to report suspected fraud in disaster relief efforts. Tips can be submitted 24/7 to the National Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721, by fax to (225) 334-4707, or by email to disaster@leo.gov. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Pugliese, with oversight from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and DHS-OIG.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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