News and Press Releases
Woman charged with theft of public money from FEMA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday, in federal court, a 62-year-old woman was charged with theft of public money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”). Rena McCarter, of Kenner, Louisiana, was charged via an Information with one count of theft of public money.
According to the Information, on July 31, 2008, McCarter embezzled, stole, and purloined money from FEMA, namely Federal Disaster Relocation Assistance benefits that she knew she was not entitled to have. The value of those benefits totaled approximately $1,458.
If convicted, McCarter faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for theft of public money, as well as possible fines and forfeitures. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Kokkinen and Lola Velazquez-Aguilu.
A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.
