Camden Woman Admits Defrauding FEMA after Hurricane Sandy
CAMDEN, N.J. – Shanyra Bennett, 40, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court to an information charging her with one count of Disaster Benefits Fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
Bennett admitted that she applied for FEMA benefits in November 2012, requesting rental assistance, assistance to replace personal property that was damaged, and assistance for transportation, as her car was damaged and not drivable.
She faxed FEMA documents claiming that she worked as a senior health aide, which required her to travel for work. She sent FEMA a fraudulent letter indicating that she had insurance through Mercury Indemnity Co. of America. At the time of the hurricane, Bennett did not have insurance with Mercury Indemnity. Bennett also submitted fraudulent invoices from a mechanic in Camden.
Based on these false representations and fraudulent documents, on Dec. 10, 2012, FEMA electronically transferred $5,162 into Bennett’s bank account to replace her 2004 Dodge Durango, which she falsely reported destroyed by the hurricane.
Between December 2012 and September 2013, FEMA transferred $22,190 in disaster-related funds through electronic fund transfers into Bennett’s bank account.
Bennett admitted that she also defrauded FEMA in 2011, when Hurricane Irene struck the area. She admitted that between September 2011 and November 2012, based on her fraudulent claims and representations, she received approximately $30,200 in FEMA disaster-related funds.
The charge to which Bennett pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Bennett’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2018.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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