Woman pleads guilty to FEMA fraud to get money after Palisades fire

A Los Angeles County woman pleaded guilty Friday, May 2 to seeking disaster relief funds by falsely claiming that her property was damaged in the Pacific Palisades wildfire, despite having no residence affected by the blaze.

Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood entered her plea in downtown Los Angeles to one federal count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

Robertson admitted in her plea agreement that she filed a fraudulent application for FEMA benefits on Jan. 28, seeking disaster relief for a Palisades property that she neither owned nor rented. As a result of her fraudulent application, Robertson obtained about $25,000 in FEMA benefits, prosecutors said.

At the time of her arrest, Robertson also attempted to obtain additional FEMA benefits for a purported property lease in San Francisco, prosecutors said.

A host of false claims were made in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires that started on Jan. 7. Together, the wildfires burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and resulted in the deaths of 29 people. Former President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which prompted FEMA to develop a program to provide financial assistance to fire victims.

FEMA offered various forms of relief, a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 for “other needs” assistance, and housing assistance for up to 18 months. Homeowners are also potentially eligible for additional relief of up to $43,600 for home repair.

Al Rossi, acting assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles, suggested that certain criminals considered the benefits so-called “free money.”