Christian Michael Hall, 49, of Drexel, North Carolina, has been charged with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by falsely claiming his property was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.
According to the indictment, on September 30, 2024, Hall filed an application for disaster assistance with FEMA seeking benefits for a residence in Valdese, North Carolina, that had sustained damage from Tropical Storm Helene. However, the indictment alleges that Hall falsely asserted that the impacted property was his primary residence, even though he did not own, rent, reside, or work in that residence.
As a result of his fraudulent application, Hall obtained approximately $20,932.14 in FEMA benefits to which he was not entitled.
The charges against Hall are serious and carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General and FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
Defendant: Christian Michael Hall
Criminal Charges: Fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits
City and State: Asheville, North Carolina
Date: September 30, 2024
Sentence: Hall is currently facing charges and has not been sentenced.
Dollar Amount: $20,932.14
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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