Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Disaster Benefits After Hurricane Ian

Orlando, Florida - Shardae Jackson (40, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, Jackson submitted a false and fraudulent application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In her application, Jackson falsely claimed that her residence had been damaged by Hurricane Ian and included a falsified utilities bill and lease agreement. In reality, Jackson had not lived at that residence since 2021, and a fire in 2021-not Hurricane Ian-had damaged the residence and rendered it uninhabitable. Based on Jackson's misrepresentations, FEMA granted Jackson's application and provided her with assistance funds and paid for her stay at two hotels in Orlando for 250 nights.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.