Los Angeles, California — A federal judge has sentenced an East Hollywood man to prison after authorities said he fraudulently collected more than $64,000 in federal wildfire disaster relief funds that were intended to help victims of the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires.
The case highlights the government’s ongoing crackdown on individuals accused of exploiting disaster assistance programs designed for families who lost homes and property during the deadly 2025 fire season.
Man Sentenced for Filing False FEMA Wildfire Claim
According to federal prosecutors, Delvonne Johnson, 32, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison after admitting to fraudulently obtaining disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Johnson previously pleaded guilty to fraud related to major disaster or emergency benefits in federal court in downtown Los Angeles.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered him to pay $64,148 in restitution to FEMA, reimbursing the agency for the money he illegally received.
Prosecutors Say He Claimed Property He Didn’t Own
Investigators said Johnson submitted a false FEMA disaster assistance application in February 2025, claiming that a home in Pacific Palisades had been damaged during the Palisades Fire.
According to court documents, Johnson falsely represented the residence as his own property, even though he had no ownership interest in the home.
Based on that application, FEMA issued approximately $64,138 in disaster relief funds later that month.
The financial assistance was intended for people whose homes or rental properties were damaged or destroyed during the catastrophic wildfires.
Real Homeowner Exposed the Fraud
The scheme unraveled when investigators contacted the property’s actual owner on April 2, 2025.
According to prosecutors, the homeowner told investigators she had lived at the residence continuously since 2015 and that it remained her primary residence at the time of the Palisades Fire.
She also stated that she had never rented the property to anyone and did not know Johnson. The homeowner later attempted to file her own legitimate FEMA disaster assistance application after her house was destroyed.
However, FEMA informed her that someone had already submitted a claim using her property, prompting the federal investigation.
Wildfire Relief Intended for Real Victims
Federal officials said the disaster assistance program was created to help victims recover from the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which began on January 7, 2025.
Eligible disaster victims, including renters, could receive a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 in additional financial assistance, and temporary housing support for up to 18 months.
Homeowners whose residences were damaged or destroyed could also qualify for up to $43,600 to help cover repair and rebuilding costs.
Authorities emphasized that every fraudulent claim diverts resources from people genuinely affected by natural disasters.
Federal Investigation Into Disaster Fraud Continues
The U.S. Department of Justice said Johnson is one of five defendants charged in federal cases involving alleged fraud connected to the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires.
Those cases involve accusations that individuals falsely claimed their homes had been damaged or destroyed in order to obtain federal disaster assistance.
The Eaton and Palisades fires burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and claimed 30 lives, making them among the most destructive wildfire events in Southern California’s history.
Federal prosecutors say they will continue pursuing anyone accused of exploiting emergency relief programs intended to help disaster survivors rebuild their lives.
What do you think about tougher penalties for people who commit disaster relief fraud? Should these crimes carry even harsher prison sentences? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
