CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced September 29 that a woman pleaded guilty to two fraud schemes.
Prosecutors said she fraudulently obtained more than $28,000 in federal disaster relief funds by falsely claiming she lived in a Pasadena property damaged by the Eaton Fire.
She also admitted to fraudulently receiving more than $54,000 in unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joyce Turner, 57, of Rosharon, Texas, pleaded guilty to disaster benefits fraud and mail fraud.
Eaton Fire
On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire tore through a Los Angeles County neighborhood, killing 18 people and destroying over 10,000 structures. A presidential disaster declaration on January 8 opened federal aid to Eaton Fire victims and other Los Angeles wildfire survivors.
Eaton Fire victims, including renters who lost property or housing, could qualify for FEMA benefits, which covered home repairs, property damage, transportation, medical costs, and housing aid.
On January 10, Turner filed a fraudulent FEMA application, falsely stating she lived in a Pasadena rental damaged by the Eaton Fire, according to her plea.
In reality, Turner didn’t live in California and wasn’t eligible for benefits. Relying on her false claim, FEMA sent Turner $28,195 in wildfire aid.
Faces up to 30 years for disaster benefits fraud
Turner also admitted she filed a false California unemployment claim in August 2020, pretending she lost work due to COVID-19.
Based on the false claim, California’s EDD paid Turner $54,360 in benefits through a debit card sent to a Los Angeles address.
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald set sentencing for January 26, 2026. Turner faces up to 30 years in prison for disaster benefits fraud and 20 years for mail fraud.
She remains free on bond.
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