Oxford Junction Woman Charged with FEMA Fraud

By Trish Mehaffey, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jun 20, 2012 at 6:33 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 20, 2012 at 6:33 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - An Oxford Junction woman made her initial appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court on a charge for fraudulently claiming FEMA benefits related to the 2008 flood.

Jessica Hines, 32, is charged with one count of disaster benefits fraud. According to the indictment unsealed Wednesday, Hines in July 2008 submitted a fraudulent application to FEMA for benefits related to the June 2008 flood in Eastern Iowa. Hines falsely claimed she lived at a specific residence in Oxford Junction at the time of the flood and that her home and personal property were damaged.

According to the indictment, at the time of the flood Hines did not live at that home and her personal property were not damaged.

If convicted, Hines faces up to 30 years in federal prison and $250,000 fine.

Hines was released on bond and a status conference was set July 25.