Cynthia Seeley, FEMA Benefits Fraud, California 2023
Two Butte County Women Charged with FEMA Benefits Fraud
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a shocking turn of events, a federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging Cynthia Seeley, 66, of Magalia, and Kristen Canapary, 53, of Butte County, with making false statements in an application for FEMA benefits in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire.
According to court documents, Seeley and Canapary each filed a fraudulent claim with FEMA seeking disaster assistance. They falsely claimed a primary residence that was not their true residence at the time of the fire. Seeley falsely claimed she rented a residence located at 13756 Eureka Road in Magalia and received $11,604.79 in cash benefits from FEMA. Canapary falsely claimed that she rented a home located at 1555 Sylvan Way in Paradise, and received $8,973.05 in cash benefits as well as temporary housing provided by FEMA.
These indictments are the result of ongoing investigations into disaster fraud related to the California wildfires. In December 2019, six defendants were indicted for making a false statement about their primary residence in an application for FEMA assistance in connection with the Camp Fire.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has promised to aggressively pursue and prosecute fraud and abuse in disaster situations. If convicted, Seeley and Canapary face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) was established to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or man-made disasters.
Defendant: Cynthia Seeley
Crime: Making false statements in an application for FEMA benefits
City and State: Magalia, California
Date: Not specified
Sentence: Not specified
Dollar amounts: $11,604.79 (Seeley), $8,973.05 (Canapary)
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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