Five Charged in FEMA Fraud Scheme Linked to Altadena Wildfire Damage Claims

Five people face federal charges for allegedly defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency by falsely claiming their properties were damaged in January wildfires, including at least two suspects who specifically targeted Altadena in their schemes, authorities announced Friday.

The charges stem from fraudulent claims submitted following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that began Jan. 7, burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and killed 30 people.

Among those charged is Keandre Lowe, 21, of Long Beach, who allegedly submitted a bogus claim for Federal Emergency Management Agency benefits by falsely claiming he rented an Altadena property that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency had sent nearly $28,286 in disaster relief to Lowe.

Another defendant, Katrina Woods, 33, of Maricopa, Arizona, allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim using a nonexistent Altadena address as her primary residence, claiming it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency disbursed nearly $23,441 in disaster relief to Woods, who also received Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded hotel accommodations in Los Angeles and Hawthorne during February and March. Officials discontinued her lodging on March 10.

Three other defendants allegedly targeted Pacific Palisades properties in their fraud schemes:

Deanniah Hogan, 32, of Compton, allegedly received $17,351 after falsely claiming to rent a Pacific Palisades dwelling damaged in the Palisades Fire.

Delvonne Dashon Johnson, 31, of East Hollywood, allegedly received $64,138 after falsely claiming to own a Pacific Palisades property affected by the fires.

Zenalyn McIntre, 38, of Sherman Oaks, allegedly received $25,229 after falsely claiming to rent a Pacific Palisades residence destroyed in the fire. Authorities say she submitted a California driver’s license showing a Sherman Oaks address and what appeared to be a fake natural gas utility bill.

Each defendant is charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison.