“There’s no such thing as a little bit of FEMA fraud. Taylor’s fraudulent scheme took FEMA dollars away from those who needed it the most,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart in a statement.
“Federal disaster benefits are critical to rebuilding infrastructure, homes and lives – not for lining the pockets of individuals who suffered no loss. Any party that abused their position of authority, violated the public trust, or misused taxpayer dollars will be held accountable.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA created a fund for the victims of severe floods that killed 23 people and destroyed hundreds of homes along West Virginia's Elk River in June 2016.
Taylor, who was working as director of the Clay County Development Corporation, signed up for FEMA funds, although her home was not affected by the flood. She told FEMA her house had been damaged and she was forced to live in a condo while it was being renovated. Both of those claims were not true. FEMA gave her $18,000.