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Man Gets 30K in FEMA Scam
A Texas man is facing serious charges after pleading guilty to making a false claim to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with relief efforts following the Labor Day 2011 wildfires in Central Texas.
Manuel Hernandez, 53, appeared in federal court on Monday, March 4, and admitted to violating the federal False Claims Act, Title 18 U.S. Code Section 287. Hernandez was charged in one of four pending criminal cases alleging fraudulent applications for benefits to FEMA in connection with the wildfires.
According to court documents, Hernandez made a false claim for housing benefits to FEMA in the wake of the wildfires in September 2011. He told FEMA that his primary residence had burned in the fires, but in reality, the Paige, Texas, home he identified as his residence had actually burned down, and he had not lived there for months. Hernandez was living in Austin at the time.
As a result of the false claim, Hernandez received over $30,000 from FEMA. Conviction under the False Claims Act subjects Hernandez to a possible prison term of up to five years, repayment of the money he obtained illegally from FEMA, and a fine up to $250,000.
Hernandez will be sentenced by United States District Judge Sam Sparks. This case was investigated by DHS OIG agents, and Assistant United States Attorney Alan Buie is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
The Labor Day 2011 wildfires in Bastrop and other parts of Central Texas left a trail of destruction, and it appears that some individuals attempted to take advantage of the situation for personal gain. The case against Hernandez serves as a reminder that such actions will not go unpunished.
At Grimy Times, we take pride in shedding light on cases like this, where individuals abuse the system for their own benefit. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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