Long Beach Man Admits Defrauding FEMA In LA Wildfires Scheme

LONG BEACH, CA — A 21-year-old Long Beach man has pleaded guilty to filing fake federal disaster assistance claims in the wake of the devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles.

Keandre Lowe was charged in April with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.

Federal prosecutors say the 21-year-old filed a fraudulent application to FEMA, claiming a home he was renting in Altadena was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Lowe received just over $28,000 through his claim, but investigators later discovered that Lowe neither owned or rented a home in the area.

The actual owner of the home later told authorities that they were not living at the home at the time of the fire and that it had not been rented out to anyone since 2007, according to federal prosecutors.

On Tuesday, Lowe admitted to filing the false application. It's unclear if his guilty plea was part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

The charges he faced carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison if convicted. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 31.

Lowe was one of several people charged in similar cases back in April.

During the wildfires, FEMA offered various forms of relief, including a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 for "other needs assistance, and housing assistance for up to 18 months. Homeowners are also potentially eligible for additional relief of up to $43,600 for home repair.

Many people took advantage of the situation, according to Al Rossi, acting assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security, who said criminals considered the benefits "free money."

City News Service contributed to this report.