A Pennsylvania woman, Jasmine Williams, 34, from Plymouth Meeting, was sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding the federal government out of $1.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds following Hurricane Ida. Williams pleaded guilty last year to 32 charges, including fraud related to a major disaster declaration, wire fraud, and mail fraud.

Officials reported that Williams solicited participants in her scheme—renters, homeowners, or homeless individuals—and submitted fraudulent documents such as leases, landlord letters, utility bills, earning statements, and home repair estimates to FEMA on behalf of nearly 200 people. She demanded half of each FEMA payout as part of the scheme.

The fraud occurred after then-President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration in September 2021 following Hurricane Ida's impact on the eastern portion of the state.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital, "Under the leadership of President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin, FEMA is rooting out fraud in disaster aid. We are protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure disaster assistance goes to those who truly need it. Anyone who tries to steal from survivors will be caught and held accountable."

This sentencing comes amid increased efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on fraud, including recovering over $1 billion from trade fraud and uncovering millions stolen from Medicaid funding through fraudulent schemes nationwide.

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