Oklahomans Are Some Of 600 Accused Of Katrina Fraud

UNDATED (AP) -- More than 18 months after Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast authorities are chipping away at hundreds of fraud cases involving storm relief. <br/>Some estimates say thousands

Monday, April 2nd 2007, 8:57 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) -- More than 18 months after Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast authorities are chipping away at hundreds of fraud cases involving storm relief.
Some estimates say thousands of people have bilked the federal government and charities out of hundreds of millions of dollars intended to aid storm victims.

The fraud stretches far beyond the Gulf Coast. So far more than 600 people have been charged in federal cases in 22 states, including Oklahoma and the District of Columbia.

Federal authorities say the frauds range in value from a few thousand dollars to more than $700,000. Complaints are still pouring in and several thousand possible cases are in the pipeline.

Prosecutors says the growing list of the accused includes employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. They say the list also include other public officials, business owners, and temporary workers for the Red Cross.

Related stories:

10/6/2005 - Tulsa Woman Faces Charges In Evacuee Fraud Scheme

4/13/2006 - Oklahoma Man Admits Cashing Check Meant For Katrina Victims

2/23/2007 - Katrina Relief Fund Fraud