Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty To Submitting A False Claim To FEMA For Disaster Assistance Benefits Involving Hurricane Irma

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Kimberly Dues (37, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to disaster assistance fraud involving fraudulently obtained FEMA benefits. She faces up to 30 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United States in the amount of $32,038. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, in November 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) received information that Dues had provided false information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to receive disaster assistance benefits. Upon investigation, DHS-OIG determined that, in September 2017, Dues submitted an application to FEMA for disaster assistance benefits, concerning Hurricane Irma, through the Individuals and Households Program. A review of the application revealed that Dues had falsely claimed that her primary residence in Jacksonville, Florida, was damaged due to the hurricane. Based on the purported storm damage, Dues claimed that she had to relocate and was in need of disaster assistance benefits. Because of the false statements made in her application, Dues fraudulently obtained $32,038 from FEMA.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017.

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 (link sends e-mail). You may also visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl.