Hawaii Duo Hit with FEMA Fraud Charges After $60K Scam

HONOLULU – A shocking revelation emerged as Daylyn Harris, 34, and Chelsea Johnson, 32, from Honolulu, were nabbed on July 15, 2025, for their alleged fraudulent scheme involving FEMA claims following the Lahaina fire and California fires federal disasters. The acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson revealed that a seven-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2025.

According to the charges, Harris and Johnson concocted a wire fraud plan, where they falsely claimed income, housing, and property losses to FEMA, despite not being affected by the disasters. Harris falsely portrayed himself as a Lahaina resident who lost everything during the August and September 2023 fires, when in reality, he did not suffer any such losses. Johnson is accused of assisting by posing as Harris’s landlord in Maui.

The scam didn’t end there. The indictment also accuses Johnson of claiming to have suffered from the California fires in January 2025 while living in Pacific Palisades. Together, they are said to have pocketed over $60,000 in FEMA relief funds. If convicted, both face up to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 per count.

“The charges against these individuals are serious,” Sorenson stated. “Fraudulent claims during times of disaster not only rob legitimate victims but also undermine the entire FEMA system.”

The investigation is being led by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, with support from the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese will be handling the prosecution.

Despite the serious charges, both Harris and Johnson are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The sentencing would depend on statutory factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, to be determined by a U.S. District Judge.

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