Jacksonville Man Charged With FEMA Fraud Involving Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricanes Matthew And Irma

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Lepoleon Spikes (46, Jacksonville) with five counts of wire fraud involving fraudulent disaster assistance applications made to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Spikes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Spikes that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $57,689.19, the proceeds of the alleged wire fraud.

Spikes was arrested earlier today and made his initial appearance in federal court. His trial is set for December 3, 2018.

According to the

, in 2012, after Tropical Storm Debby, Spikes applied to FEMA for disaster assistance. In his application, he falsely claimed that he needed rental assistance because of damage to his home caused by Tropical Storm Debby. This false application resulted in Spikes receiving $24,870.38 in disaster assistance from FEMA. After Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Spikes again applied to FEMA for disaster assistance. He falsely claimed damage to his residence and requested rental assistance. This false application resulted in Spikes receiving $12,016.11 in disaster assistance from FEMA. In 2017, Spikes applied for disaster assistance from FEMA, stating that Hurricane Irma damaged his home. He falsely claimed that he needed rental assistance. This false application resulted in him receiving $20,802.70 in disaster assistance.  

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.        

This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.