A Sherman Oaks woman was sentenced Wednesday to four months behind bars for seeking disaster-relief funds by falsely claiming that a property she rented was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, despite having no connection to the residence affected by the disaster.
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Zenalyn McIntre, 38, pleaded guilty in June in downtown Los Angeles to one federal count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.
Based on her false claim, the Federal Emergency Management Agency distributed nearly $25,000 in disaster-relief funds to McIntre -- who was ordered Wednesday to pay the money back.
The defendant admitted that on Jan. 20, she submitted a false claim for federal disaster relief by claiming that she was a renter of a residence in Pacific Palisades that was destroyed in the fire.
Eight days later, she submitted additional documents online to FEMA, including her California driver's license -- which listed a Sherman Oaks address -- and a natural gas utility bill that appeared to be fake, prosecutors said.
A host of false claims were made in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires that started on Jan. 7. Together, the wildfires burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. Former President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which prompted FEMA to develop a program to provide financial assistance to fire victims.
FEMA offered various forms of relief, a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 for "other needs" assistance, and housing assistance for up to 18 months. Homeowners were also potentially eligible for additional relief of up to $43,600 for home repair.
Al Rossi, acting assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles, suggested that certain criminals considered the benefits so-called "free money."
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