Houston woman admits to receiving over $7K from FEMA on fraudulent disaster claims, authorities say

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.

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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.


About the Author

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.

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