Three defendants were charged with fraudulently seeking federal disaster relief funds by claiming their properties were damaged by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced Wednesday.

The U.S. attorney’s office stated that the defendants, two from Southern California and one from Texas, were arrested after being charged with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Joyce Turner, 55, of Rosharon, Texas, was arrested March 11 after being charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, the office reported.

The office alleged that Turner falsely claimed her home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, despite never living in California or having any connection to the property.

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Turner forged a lease and obtained more than $25,000 in FEMA benefits.

Tyrone D. Barnes Jr., 38, of Paramount, was arrested March 11 after a Feb. 21 federal grand jury indictment for making false claims, the office confirmed.

The U.S. attorney’s office reported that Barnes submitted a FEMA claim for an Altadena property, which was owned by others who were unaware of his actions.

The office reported that the true owners discovered the fraud when filing their own disaster relief application.

Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood, was arrested March 11 after submitting a fraudulent FEMA application on Jan. 28, the office stated.

The U.S. attorney’s office...

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