Florida Woman Charged with Hurricane Aid Fraud

Veronica Torres, a 44-year-old woman from Florida, has been arrested for allegedly using her mother's identity to fraudulently apply for nearly $8,000 in hurricane disaster assistance. According to the Bradenton Police Department, Torres claimed she was displaced due to damage from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, utilizing her mother's name, driver's license, and social security information. When she went to collect the funds, a city employee noticed a significant age discrepancy and questioned her; Torres attributed this to 'Botox treatments.' After being asked to return for further questioning, she was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for filing a false public assistance claim. Torres was subsequently released after posting a $2,500 bond. The case highlights ongoing issues with hurricane relief fraud in the aftermath of recent severe storms in Florida.