PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia woman has been charged with stealing nearly $27,000 in FEMA funds meant for disaster relief, authorities announced today.
Schwana Debnam, 38, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by information with one count of theft of government funds, according to a statement from United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
According to the information, Debnam applied for and received Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) benefits, alleging that she had been displaced from her home as a result of Hurricane Irene. However, an investigation by Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found that the representations in Debnam’s application to FEMA were false, and that she was never displaced from her primary residence.
The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $26,756.
If convicted, Debnam faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, restitution to the government of $26,756, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bea Witzleben.
An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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