Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANIELLE RANDALL, 42, of Gretna, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of federal funds.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced RANDALL to 15 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release, and $100 special assessment. RANDALL was also ordered to pay full restitution to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $10,953.
According to court documents, on or about August 29, 2012, Hurricane Isaac struck southeastern Louisiana and shortly thereafter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) declared a major disaster in parts of southeastern Louisiana, including the Eastern District of Louisiana. To assist individuals in coping with damage to their personal property and primary residences, FEMA established an application process for temporary disaster assistance. RANDALL submitted an application for Disaster Assistance for damage to her apartment and personal property. After she received an initial disbursement of approximately $3,000, RANDALL continued to apply for housing assistance while falsely representing her rental address and housing expenses. In total, RANDALL’s false submissions to FEMA allowed herreceived four U.S. Treasury checks totaling $10,953 to which she was not entitled.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.