A Jacksonville woman faces up to 30 years in federal prison and restitution to the United States after being charged with disaster assistance fraud related to Hurricane Irma.
Kimberly Dues, 37, of Jacksonville, was indicted by a federal grand jury for submitting a false claim for FEMA benefits, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
According to the indictment, in September 2017, Dues falsified records concerning her primary residence when submitting an application for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program for Hurricane Irma.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Dues made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday and her arraignment is set for April 24, 2019.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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