EXCLUSIVE: DHS Reacts After Texas Woman Sentencing Over Fraudulent FEMA Claims Tied To Los Angeles Wildfires

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded on Wednesday to a Texas woman sentenced to prison for fraudulently obtaining federal disaster relief tied to the Los Angeles wildfires.

Joyce Turner, of Rosharon, Texas, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after obtaining more than $28,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster relief by falsely claiming she lived in a Pasadena, California, rental property damaged in the Eaton wildfire. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Trump Admin Closes Loophole Letting Migrants Stay In US While Awaiting Green Cards)

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis affirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, writing in a statement to the Daily Caller, “Anyone who steals from American taxpayers will be held accountable,” Bis said. “We are protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure disaster assistance goes to those who truly need it. Anyone who tries to steal from survivors will be caught and held accountable.”

The DOJ announced that 3 people have been charged with fraudulently seeking federal disaster relief funds by falsely claiming their properties were damaged by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in California.

Joyce Turner, 55, of Rosharon, Texas, allegedly was paid nearly $30,000… pic.twitter.com/1dJRuXt55K

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) March 12, 2025

The 56-year-old also admitted to fraudulently collecting more than $54,000 in California unemployment benefits by falsely claiming she lost work in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a June press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California.

According to prosecutors, Turner submitted a fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance application on Jan. 10, 2025, falsely claiming she lived at a Pasadena rental property damaged by the fire. Based on the false claim, FEMA issued her $28,195 in disaster relief funds. (RELATED: ‘Readily Preventable’: Trump DOJ Uncovers Massive Alleged COVID Fraud Scheme )

Turner pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of mail fraud and one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. In addition to the 21-month prison sentence, she was ordered to pay $82,555 in restitution, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

During fiscal year 2025, FEMA investigated more than 1,700 suspected fraud cases. The agency refers suspected fraud involving its Individual Assistance program to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIC) and other law enforcement partners for criminal investigation and possible prosecution, including cases involving organized fraud schemes.

The Administration is doubling down on efforts to prevent, detect, and punish fraud in compliance with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14395, which established the Task Force to eliminate fraud, with the intent of bringing together federal agencies to coordinate a national strategy to stop fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs.

The Eaton Fire ignited on Jan. 7, 2025, sweeping through parts of Los Angeles County, killing 18 people and destroying more than 10,000 structures, according to the press release. (RELATED: LA Fire Victims Still Waiting: Less Than 4% Have Started Rebuilding Nearly A Year Later)

Following a presidential disaster declaration, FEMA made financial assistance available to victims, including renters who lost their homes or personal property.