Gretna Woman Indicted for Theft of Federal Funds

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DANIELLE RANDALL, 42, of Gretna, was charged today in a four-count Indictment for theft of federal funds.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 29, 2012, Hurricane Isaac struck southeastern Louisiana.  Shortly thereafter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) declared a major disaster in parts of southeastern Louisiana, including the Eastern District of Louisiana.  To assist individuals in coping with damage to their personal property and primary residences, FEMA established an application process for temporary disaster assistance. The Indictment alleges that RANDALL submitted an application for Disaster Assistance for damage to her apartment and personal property. After she received an initial disbursement of approximately $3,000, RANDALL continued to apply for housing assistance while falsely representing her rental address and housing expenses.  In total, RANDALL received four U.S. Treasury checks to which she was not entitled. RANDALL’s false submissions to FEMA allowed her to steal a total $10,951 in federal funds.

If convicted, RANDALL faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100, as to each of the four counts.   She also faces mandatory restitution of at least $10,951.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General in investigating this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.