Erick Williams, FEMA False Claim, Florida 2017

Florida Man Charged with Submitting False Claim for FEMA Benefits

In a brazen attempt to deceive the federal government, Erick Williams (31, Jacksonville) has been indicted for making a false claim against the United States related to Hurricane Irma.

According to the indictment, in September 2017, Williams used a false address when submitting an application for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individuals and Households Program for Hurricane Irma.

Williams lied about the address of his primary residence in the application, which is a clear violation of federal law.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury, charging Williams with making a false claim against the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, plus payment of restitution to the United States.

Williams was arrested yesterday by agents from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; he made his initial appearance in court and a trial date has been set for June 4, 2018.

This case is part of the United States Attorney's Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017. The task force was formed to investigate and prosecute individuals who commit fraud related to disaster relief operations.

Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jacksonville-man-indicted-submitting-false-claim-fema-benefits-related-hurricane-irma