Press Release
Jacksonville Woman Indicted For Submitting False Claim For FEMA Benefits Related To Hurricane Irma
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Kimberly Dues (37, Jacksonville) with disaster assistance fraud involving Hurricane Irma. If convicted, Dues faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, plus restitution to the United States. Dues made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday. Her arraignment is set for April 24, 2019.
According to the indictment, in September 2017, Dues falsified records concerning her primary residence when submitting an application for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program for Hurricane Irma.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. A live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffs the telephone line. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov . You may also visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl.
Updated April 23, 2019
Topics
Disaster Fraud
Financial Fraud
Component