A Texas woman pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding federal disaster relief programs and California unemployment benefits, netting more than $82,000 through false claims.
Joyce Turner, 57, of Rosharon, Texas, admitted to submitting a fraudulent FEMA application shortly after the Eaton Fire in January 2025, falsely claiming she lived in Pasadena in a damaged rental property. FEMA issued her $28,195 in disaster relief funds.
Turner also admitted to a separate scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, falsely claiming she had worked in California and lost her job due to the pandemic. The California Employment Development Department provided $54,360 in unemployment benefits via debit card to Turner.
She pleaded guilty to one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits and one count of mail fraud.
Turner faces a sentencing hearing on January 26, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. She could face up to 30 years in federal prison for the disaster benefits fraud and 20 years for the mail fraud count. Turner remains free on bond.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section.
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