Trump administration intensifies nationwide fraud crackdown
The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against fraud, spotlighting the revelatory Senate testimony of investigative journalist Nick Shirley, who exposed widespread misuse of tax dollars. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald has reported the recovery of over $1 billion from trade-related fraud. Meanwhile, public figure Dr. Oz has drawn attention to fraudulent activities in New York City adult daycare centers siphoning millions from Medicaid, underscoring a pervasive national issue.
In a parallel effort to curb fraud, a Pennsylvania woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding the government of $1.7 million in FEMA funds following Hurricane Ida, according to a Justice Department announcement. This sentencing marks a significant stride in the administration’s anti-fraud crusade.
Jasmine Williams, 34, hailing from Plymouth Meeting, admitted guilt last year to 32 charges, which encompassed fraud related to a major disaster declaration, as well as wire and mail fraud.
In a statement to News Media, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis asserted, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA is actively eliminating fraud in disaster aid.”
Bis further emphasized, “We are ensuring taxpayer money is safeguarded, and disaster assistance reaches those in genuine need. Anyone attempting to exploit survivors will be apprehended and face justice.”
Blue tarp stamped with the FEMA logo covers the roof of a home more than a week after Hurricane Irma made landfall. A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to five years in prisons for defrauding FEMA in the aftermath of the storm. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Then-President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration in September 2021 after the remnants of Hurricane Ida struck much of the eastern portion of the state.
Officials said Williams solicited participants in her scheme — renters, homeowners or the homeless — and submitted fraudulent documents to FEMA on behalf of almost 200 others, including fraudulent leases, letters from landlords, utility bills, earning statements, and home repair estimates.
She recruited the participants over social media, advertising that she could assist them in applying for FEMA benefits, prosecutors said.
President Joe Biden speaks during a virtual Hurricane Ida briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Biden vowed to continue providing federal support after Hurricane Ida made landfall south of New Orleans and left more than a million homes and businesses without power. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
As part of the fraud, she requested half of the payout for herself, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When one person involved in the scheme didn’t pay her, Williams posted that person’s personal information on social media, officials said.
She also posted a video criticizing the person for not paying the 50% Williams charged.
Williams additionally used social media to solicit images of damaged homes to submit in support of her fraudulent applications, federal prosecutors said.
In fiscal year 2025, FEMA identified more than 1,700 fraud cases.
Williams’ sentence came as the Trump administration has prioritized combating fraud and waste.