HOUSTON ‐ A Houston resident has been charged with disaster fraud in connection with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Clinton Booker, 51, of Houston, is accused of engaging in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) when he applied for and received a disaster loan from the SBA.
According to the indictment, Booker claimed property damage from Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, but his residence had not sustained damage as claimed. He allegedly submitted or caused others to submit falsified records to make the claim appear legitimate. Booker received $25,000 from the fraudulent SBA loan.
The charges against Booker include one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster and one count of wire fraud, for which he faces up to 30 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the SBA Office of Inspector General.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick made the announcement just after the Gulf Coast region marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the costliest storm in United States history.
“These types of cases are no different than looting during and after a storm,” said Patrick. “Some people try to exploit natural disasters by taking things that aren’t theirs. It is white collar storm looting, and fewer people who actually need assistance get it.”
Booker is charged in a separate indictment linked to Hurricane Harvey. He is currently facing one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster and one count of wire fraud, with a maximum penalty of up to 30 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively.
According to the indictment, Booker submitted or caused others to submit falsified records to make the claim appear legitimate. He received $25,000 from the fraudulent SBA loan. He is currently in federal custody awaiting trial.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit the generosity of the American people during times of disaster,” said Patrick.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McIntyre.
For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Donald White at (713) 567-9000.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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