August 28, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Los Angeles Residents Accused of Defrauding FEMA After Devastating Wildfires

Defendants Faked Damage and Residency to Illegally Collect FEMA Aid

Five individuals have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to obtain disaster relief funds intended for victims of the January 2025 wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles County, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

The suspects, each charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, allegedly sought tens of thousands of dollars by falsely claiming they suffered property damage during the Palisades Fire. If convicted, they face up to 30 years in federal prison.

The fires, which ignited on January 7, scorched nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and claimed the lives of 30 people. In response, the President issued a Major Disaster Declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to roll out aid programs for displaced residents and homeowners.

Authorities say the following defendants fraudulently sought benefits:

  • Deanniah Hogan, 32, of Compton, allegedly filed a false FEMA claim on Jan. 26, asserting she rented a home destroyed in the Pacific Palisades. FEMA later awarded her approximately $17,351 for personal property damage and displacement assistance. The actual homeowner, who lived on the premises, confirmed no tenants had been renting the property. Hogan was arrested Thursday and released on $10,000 bond pending arraignment on May 20. Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Kim is prosecuting the case.
  • Delvonne Dashon Johnson, 31, of East Hollywood, allegedly claimed to own a Pacific Palisades home destroyed by the fire and received roughly $64,138 in disaster relief. The rightful homeowner, who had lived at the property since 2015, told investigators she did not know Johnson. Johnson was arrested Thursday and faces arraignment in U.S. District Court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Arkow is handling the case.
  • Zenalyn McIntre, 38, of Sherman Oaks, allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim stating she rented a destroyed Palisades residence. Investigators say she later provided fake utility bills and a driver’s license listing a Sherman Oaks address. FEMA disbursed about $25,229 to McIntre based on her claims. She was arrested Thursday and is expected to make an initial court appearance Friday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah S. Lee is prosecuting.
  • Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood, who was arrested last month, is expected to plead guilty May 2 to filing a false FEMA claim. Robertson admitted she fraudulently obtained about $24,899 in relief funds by falsely claiming she lived at a damaged property in Pacific Palisades. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Paetty and Roger Hsieh are prosecuting her case.
  • Jaime Arturo Carrillo, 48, of South Los Angeles, pleaded guilty Wednesday to similar charges. Carrillo falsely claimed he rented a home approximately 20 miles from the fires and secured FEMA-paid lodging at two local hotels, racking up over $2,200 in hotel and incidental charges. His sentencing is scheduled for June 11. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth S.P. Douglas is prosecuting.
Related Posts

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

Brentwood’s Diesel Bookstore Hosts Author Terri Hanauer for The Lightness of Rain Launch Event

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Santa Monica-Based Author Will Join Writer Gary Goldstein for a Free Sept. 2 Discussion Santa Monica-based author, director, and actor...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...

Attorney General Rob Bonta Secures Release of $900M in Frozen Education Funds for California

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Trump Administration Agrees to Release Frozen Education Funds  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Friday that the Trump administration has...

Brentwood’s San Vicente Medians Set for Makeover With Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Residents Can Weigh In on Plant Choices Through an Online Survey Plans are moving forward to upgrade San Vicente Boulevard’s...

“Rich Rollin” Burglary Crew Linked to 92 Break-Ins Taken Down in LAPD Operation

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Ten Suspects, Including Confirmed Gang Members, Face Charges Nearly 100 residential burglaries across the city have been tied to a...

18-Year-Old Woman Fatally Shot While Trying to Break Up a Fight on a Metro Bus

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Police Say the Teen Was Killed in Westchester After Intervening in a Dispute  Efforts to break up a fight on...

Chuck Lorre Buys $27.5 Million Bel Air Mansion With Hollywood Regency Pedigree

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

TV Producer Closed on the John Elgin Woolf–Designed Estate at a Discount Chuck Lorre, the television producer behind The Big...

Is $1,500 Enough Anymore? The L.A. Tradeoffs Between Address and Actual Living Space

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

New Analysis Shows What 1500 Really Buys in the LA Metro In Greater Los Angeles, $1,500 rents less space than...

Former Ed Ruscha Brentwood Compound Lists for $4.65M: Artist-Reimagined Estate Hits Market

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Sprawling 1.73-Acre Corner Lot Joins Two 1950s Ranch Homes  The onetime Los Angeles home of artist Ed Ruscha has been...

Two Days, Two Denials: Menendez Brothers Rejected for Parole

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

Erik Denied After 10-Hour Hearing; Lyle Rebuffed the Next Day Erik Menendez, convicted along with his brother in the 1989...

Rob Reiner to Attend for ‘This is Spinal Tap’ as Cinespia Wraps Summer at Hollywood Forever

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

Cinespia Closes Out Summer: Fan Favorites and DJs Return to Hollywood Forever Cinespia will close out summer with four outdoor...