Three fake Los Angeles wildfire victims charged with FEMA fraud

Three people have been charged with stealing more than $40,000 in federal disaster relief by falsely claiming they were victims of the Eaton and Palisades wildfires earlier this year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

According to a news release issued Monday, Jerry Lee Clay Jr., Matthew Garnet O’Brien and Maricka Marie Gilmore allegedly submitted fraudulent applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency using fake California addresses, including units that did not exist, to obtain funds meant for displaced residents.

Clay, 42, of Los Angeles, allegedly used a nonexistent apartment in Pacific Palisades to collect $14,919.30 in FEMA aid, which was deposited into his personal account. He also allegedly impersonated fake landlords to support his claims. Clay was arrested on Sept. 14 and arraigned two days later. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond. If convicted, he faces four years and four months in prison.

O’Brien, 44, of Los Angeles, is accused of fraudulently claiming a residence in Altadena and receiving $12,314.52 in January and February. He surrendered to law enforcement on Sept. 25 and was released on his own recognizance. His arraignment is set for Nov. 25. He faces three years in prison if convicted.

Gilmore, 37, of Marrero, Louisiana, allegedly filed a false FEMA claim using another fake Pacific Palisades address and received $14,153.67 in February. She was extradited to Los Angeles on Sept. 23 and remains in custody on $50,000 bail. Her arraignment was scheduled for Friday. She faces three years if convicted.

All three cases, which remain under investigation, are being prosecuted by the D.A.’s Office Cyber Crime Division.

“When you choose to steal FEMA wildfire relief funds, you are stealing from the thousands of fire victims who desperately need financial assistance rebuilding their homes and their lives,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in the release. “If you pretend to be a wildfire victim, we will find you.”