Lepoleon Spikes, a 47-year-old Jacksonville man, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after systematically defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of $57,789.19 in disaster relief funds. Spikes exploited federal aid programs tied to Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Matthew, and Hurricane Irma—falsely claiming his primary residence sustained storm damage and forcing him to relocate.
According to court documents, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) received a tip in February 2018 alleging Spikes submitted false information to FEMA. Investigators quickly uncovered a calculated scheme in which Spikes filed multiple applications for disaster assistance, each built on lies about storm-related property damage that never occurred.
Despite never suffering any structural harm to his home, Spikes successfully collected $57,789.19 in federal aid meant for victims of natural disasters. The funds were intended to help Americans rebuild after catastrophic weather events—but instead lined the pockets of a man who saw tragedy as an opportunity.
Spikes now faces up to 20 years in federal prison as part of his guilty plea. He has also agreed to full restitution of $57,789.19 to repay the stolen funds. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, with federal prosecutors emphasizing that fraud against disaster relief programs will be met with maximum consequences.
This case was handled by the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, launched in September 2017 to crack down on exploitation of emergency aid. The DHS-OIG led the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials are urging the public to report suspected disaster fraud. Anyone with information about fraudulent claims or individuals soliciting relief funds under false pretenses can call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721. Tips can also be faxed to (225) 334-4707, emailed to disaster@leo.gov, or submitted via the Middle District of Florida’s website at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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