Houston woman admits to receiving over $7K from FEMA on fraudulent disaster claims, authorities say No description found
HOUSTON – A Houston woman has pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme that she orchestrated to get money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Latoya Romar admitted that she applied for disaster relief following a severe storm that struck Houston on May 4, 2015, and entered fraudulent claims.
Romar said she falsely claimed the storm had damaged her home and even submitted forged documents to FEMA as proof to her claims, according to the DOJ.
As a result, FEMA paid Romar $7,124.33 in disaster relief that she “was not entitled to receive,” the DOJ said.
Romar’s sentencing has been set for Aug. 16. She could face up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine. Romar is permitted to remain out on bond until her next hearing.
Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
About the Author Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli headshot
Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.
Houston has the potential for freezing temperatures Sunday night ▶ 0:57
Houston has the potential for freezing temperatures Sunday night
Woman possibly squatting fatally shot after fight with security guard at apartment complex ▶ 0:45
Woman possibly squatting fatally shot after fight with security guard at apartment complex
The Woodlands, Montgomery County expand Flock camera network to improve public safety ▶ 0:37
The Woodlands, Montgomery County expand Flock camera network to improve public safety
Downtown Tomball businesses brace for eight-hour power outage during critical holiday rush ▶ 0:50
Downtown Tomball businesses brace for eight-hour power outage during critical holiday rush
Seized Venezuelan tanker may be heading to Galveston ▶ 0:51
Seized Venezuelan tanker may be heading to Galveston
Top headlines Dec. 12 ▶ 1:56
Top headlines Dec. 12
Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend ▶ 1:05
Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend
Conroe judge arrested for DWI, arrested three times before ▶ 1:10
Conroe judge arrested for DWI, arrested three times before
Friday is expected to be FOGGY in Houston ▶ 0:34
Friday is expected to be FOGGY in Houston
Humble City Council having closed-door meeting with Police Chief tonight ▶ 1:27
Humble City Council having closed-door meeting with Police Chief tonight
Acres Homes has $44K missing from budget as TSU investigation continues ▶ 0:52
Acres Homes has $44K missing from budget as TSU investigation continues
AirBnb homes expected to make money in Houston as city hosts 2026 FIFA World Cup ▶ 0:42
AirBnb homes expected to make money in Houston as city hosts 2026 FIFA World Cup
Warming winters aren’t a theory — they’re a fact, and Houston’s feeling it. ▶ 0:57
Warming winters aren’t a theory — they’re a fact, and Houston’s feeling it.
Behind the scenes: Battleship Texas restoration ▶ 1:14
Behind the scenes: Battleship Texas restoration
Police searching for woman caught stealing from multiple doctor’s offices in Houston ▶ 1:29
Police searching for woman caught stealing from multiple doctor’s offices in Houston
Houston Residents Fear Illegal Dumping Will Worsen After Federal Monitoring Ends ▶ 0:44
Houston Residents Fear Illegal Dumping Will Worsen After Federal Monitoring Ends
Top stories for Dec. 11 ▶ 1:47
Top stories for Dec. 11
Classmates describe warning signs of teen accused of plotting mass shooting at Pasadena Memorial HS ▶ 1:14
Classmates describe warning signs of teen accused of plotting mass shooting at Pasadena Memorial HS
Late FBI Houston agent’s work leads global child sextortion suspect to face U.S. charges ▶ 1:57
Late FBI Houston agent’s work leads global child sextortion suspect to face U.S. charges
Meteorologist vs. Social Media-ologist ▶ 1:52
Meteorologist vs. Social Media-ologist
KPRC 2 Toy Drive: Here’s how you can help bring joy to children in need this holiday season ▶ 1:00
KPRC 2 Toy Drive: Here’s how you can help bring joy to children in need this holiday season
Harris County DA asks Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to block hearing in A.J. Armstrong case ▶ 0:34
Harris County DA asks Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to block hearing in A.J. Armstrong case
Police chase during rush hour on Houston's busy freeway caught on camera ▶ 0:18
Police chase during rush hour on Houston's busy freeway caught on camera
Two Pasadena Memorial HS students suspected of planning ‘mass shooting’ at school ▶ 1:33
Two Pasadena Memorial HS students suspected of planning ‘mass shooting’ at school
Texas Lt. Governor pitches idea to lower property taxes: What does it mean? ▶ 1:51
Texas Lt. Governor pitches idea to lower property taxes: What does it mean?
Previous photo Next photo