Clay County Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding FEMA

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Rebecca F. Bragg, 37, pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.

According to court documents, in June 2016, at the time of a major flood, Bragg resided in a home in Procious, Clay County, that was owned by her husband’s parents.  On June 26, 2016, Bragg applied to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for both personal and rental assistance for the Procious residence.  As a result of her application for rental assistance, Bragg received $2,472 from FEMA.  FEMA initially deemed Bragg ineligible for home repair assistance because she had not proven she owned the home at the time of the flood.  On July 20, 2016, through her previous employer, Bragg applied for and obtained home insurance for the Procious residence, wherein she falsely claimed she was the home owner. On August 9, 2016, from her previous employer’s office in Spencer, Roane County, Bragg faxed to FEMA the home insurance policy that listed her as the property owner. As a result of Bragg’s false statements and misrepresentations, she received $4,900.85 in home repair benefits from FEMA.

Bragg faces up to 30 years in prison when she is sentenced on October 28, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00103.

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