A Port Arthur man, who collected federal funds for a home authorities say he did not live in, has pleaded guilty Eastern District of Texas to hurricane-related fraud.
Jose Luis Carrillo, 50, earlier this week pleaded guilty a fraud charge relating a major disaster or emergency benefits before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
“Defrauding federal programs is always an egregious act,” Ganjei stated in a news release from his office. “Disaster relief fraud is even more serious because of the limited nature of the funds intended to assist people in their time of greatest need.”
According to court documents, on Sep. 21, 2017, Carrillo applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a damaged dwelling located on Luis Drive in Port Arthur.
“Carrillo stated that he owned the damaged dwelling and that it was his primary residence,” the release said. “Carrillo received a total of nearly $23,620 in FEMA assistance for rental expenses and home repairs.”
The actual residents of the residence also submitted an application for funding, but were denied benefits, according to the court. An investigation revealed the home’s true residents, and Carrillo admitted that he fraudulently represented the home was his primary residence to obtain FEMA funds.
“This investigation and resulting plea demonstrates our continued commitment to identify and investigate all allegations of fraud to protect the integrity of FEMA programs funded by the taxpayer,” Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari stated. “Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated.”
Carrillo could face up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after a presentence investigation is completed.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com
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