A woman from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a scheme that defrauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of more than $1.5 million in disaster relief funds after Hurricane Ida.
Jasmine Williams, 34, admitted guilt before United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge to one count of fraud related to a major disaster declaration, 24 counts of wire fraud, and seven counts of mail fraud. The charges stem from her actions following the major disaster declaration issued by President Joseph R. Biden for eastern Pennsylvania in September 2021 due to damage caused by Hurricane Ida. This declaration allowed FEMA to distribute financial assistance to affected residents.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams used social media platforms to recruit individuals with promises of helping them apply for FEMA benefits. She then submitted fraudulent documents—including fake leases, letters from landlords, utility bills, earning statements, and home repair estimates—on behalf of dozens of people. Williams collected half of each FEMA payout as her fee.
United States Attorney David Metcalf stated: “Williams was charged by indictment with those offenses in April of last year.”
The government determined that over $1.5 million in federal assistance was paid out as a result of these false claims.
Williams is scheduled for sentencing on January 12, 2026.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General with help from FEMA Fraud Prevention and Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and S. Chandler Harris are prosecuting the case.
