Jacksonville man pleads guilty to claiming false FEMA benefits during Hurricanes Matthew, Irma

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man faces up to 20 years in prison and has agreed to pay over $57,000 in restitution to the United States, according to the Department of Justice for fraudulently obtained FEMA benefits.

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According to the Feb. 2018 plea agreement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was made aware of an allegation that Lepoleon Spikes,47, submitted an application with false information to receive disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Debby.

Spike reportedly claimed his Jacksonville home had received storm damage -- causing him to relocate.

Based on the false claims, authorities say Spikes received $57,789.19 from FEMA.

As part of his plea agreement, Spike has agreed to pay the money back to the United States.

Cox Media Group