Louisiana Woman Sentenced in FEMA Fraud Case
A 49-year-old New Iberia woman will spend the next 18 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent damage claims to federal officials after hurricanes in 2005 and 2008 and receiving more than $24,000.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says Valerie Benjamin submitted the false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and Gustav and Ike in 2008.
Finley says Benjamin pleaded guilty April 16. Judge Richard Haik ordered Benjamin to pay $24,960 to FEMA in restitution.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Popular Today
- Canceled FEMA Review Council Vote Leaves Flood Insurance Reforms in Limbo
- Charges Dropped Against ‘Poster Boy’ Contractor Accused of Insurance Fraud
- Why 2026 Is The Tipping Point for The Evolving Role of AI in Law and Claims
- IIHS Rolled out A New Whiplash Prevention Test
Popular This Month