BENJAMIN BENNETT, 23, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was caught in a web of deceit after he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud relating to a fraudulent application he made to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) for financial assistance during the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
According to court documents, BENNETT applied for disaster assistance funds on October 12, 2010, representing that he was operating a commercial fishing business before the oil spill. However, BENNETT had never worked as a commercial fisherman and submitted or caused to be submitted false documentation to establish his false earnings.
As a result of his fraudulent application, BENNETT received approximately $43,400 to which he was not entitled. This brazen act of deceit has left many wondering how someone so young could be so reckless with the law.
The case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill.
“This case is a prime example of the importance of vigilance in preventing and detecting disaster-related fraud,” said U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. “The GCCF made disaster assistance money available to individuals and businesses affected by the oil spill, and it’s our duty to ensure that those funds are used for the intended purpose.”
BENNETT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing is set for October 3, 2013.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U. S. Secret Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at disaster@leo.gov, or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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