Crime & Safety

Local Man Accused of Defrauded FEMA of Disaster Relief Funds

Federal authorities say an Enfield address was used in a scheme to defraud FEMA of thousands in disaster relief funds.

Federal authorities have charged a local man with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of the 2011 tornado that swept through Mass.

According to U.S. Attorney's office, 41-year-old Robbie Rossi provided FEMA with false residential information, and received disaster relief payments at multiple addresses, including a home in Enfield.

Authorities say Rossi received more than $12,000 in disaster relief funds, which FEMA was authorized to provide to affected residents.

Following the 2011 tornado, Rossi, who is a former Massachusetts resident, allegedly told authorities he lived on New Bridge Street in West Springfield, Mass, which was badly damaged in the storm.

Rossi was arrested on Jan. 14 in Las Vegas and has been charged with two counts of mail fraud.

He faces a maximum of 60 years imprisonment.

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