Compton Woman Suspected Of Fraud In LA Wildfires Scheme

COMPTON, CA — A Compton woman is among five people arrested on suspicion of filing fake federal disaster assistance claims in the wake of the devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

Deanniah Hogan, 32, is suspected of filing a false claim on Jan. 26 in connection with the Palisades Fire, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Federal prosecutors say Hogan filed for assistance, claiming she was renting a home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and that it had been destroyed in the fire.

Given the devastation of the wildfires, then-President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration, which allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop a program to assist victims.

People affected by the disaster could qualify for a one-time payment of $750 in FEMA relief up to $43,600 for home repairs and another $43,600 for transportation or medical, according to prosecutors.

In Hogan's case, FEMA sent her $17,351 for personal property damage and displacement assistance, according to federal prosecutors.

The actual owner of the Pacific Palisades home listed in the fraudulent application later told police that the property was not being rented out at the time of the fires, according to prosecutors.

Hogan was arrested Thursday and has since been charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.

The 32-year-old Compton resident is currently out on a $10,000 bond, prosecutors said. If convicted, she could be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, prosecutors said.