Sharai Poteet, Wire Fraud, Texas 2024

A 56-year-old Texas woman has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, fraud in connection with a major disaster, threatening to kill a witness, and assaulting/impeding a law enforcement officer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

From 2019 through 2024, Sharai Poteet engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain disaster-relief housing assistance and additional federal benefits.

According to the investigation, Poteet submitted fraudulent loan applications claiming 11 people – including seven children and a disabled adult - were members of her household.

As a result of the false claims, Poteet received assistance in the form of a custom seven-bedroom home.

The funds used to construct the home were intended to help Hurricane Harvey victims through a Department of Housing and Urban Development program.

The home Poteet received was the largest the program had built at that time.

Poteet also submitted three fraudulent applications for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storms that occurred between 2021 and 2024.

During the investigation, Poteet threatened a whistleblower in an attempt to silence them.

Poteet also assaulted a federal agent while attempting to flee during an operation intended to seize her cell phone.

“Sharai Poteet exploited programs intended to assist vulnerable hurricane victims and used those funds for her own personal enrichment,” said Marck.

“When individuals steal taxpayer-funded resources meant to help those in need, they are not just committing fraud – they are undermining the systems that keep families safe and communities stable.”

The HUD Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 21. At that time, Poteet faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/porter-woman-admits-fraud-threats-and-assault-after-fraudulently-receiving-435000-new