Three Charged in FEMA Fraud Linked to California Wildfires

Three individuals have been federally charged with fraudulently seeking disaster relief funds from FEMA following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Tyrone D. Barnes Jr. allegedly submitted a claim for a property he did not own, while Hedeshia Robertson filed for a residence she had no connection to, gaining nearly $25,000 in relief benefits. Joyce Turner, from Texas, claimed her home was destroyed by the Eaton fire, despite having no ties to California and forging documents to support her claim, receiving over $25,000 in the process. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally stated that these fraudulent claims denied essential funds to actual victims of the disasters. The wildfires, which occurred in January, resulted in significant destruction and a presidential disaster declaration, prompting FEMA's assistance program. The defendants are expected to make their initial court appearances this week in their respective jurisdictions.