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Jacksonville Man Charged with FEMA Fraud
Lepoleon Spikes, 46, is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of five counts of wire fraud involving fraudulent disaster assistance applications made to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Spikes allegedly applied to FEMA for disaster assistance after Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and Hurricane Irma in 2017, claiming damage to his home and receiving a total of $57,689.19 in disaster assistance.
According to the indictment, Spikes falsely claimed that he needed rental assistance after each storm, resulting in payments of $24,870.38, $12,016.11, and $20,802.70 respectively.
Spikes was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court earlier today. His trial is set for December 3, 2018.
The indictment also notifies Spikes that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $57,689.19, the proceeds of the alleged wire fraud.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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