Plot to Steal Florida Hurricane Aid Leads to Indictments

Two former city officials in Lynn Haven, Fla. and three business executives have been indicted on charges that they conspired to fraudulently take $5 million meant for hurricane disaster aid from the federal government.

The federal grand jury’s 35-count indictment — which includes charges of wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering — lays out how prosecutors say the group advanced its scheme using falsified invoices and time sheets. Each of the people charged could face up to 20 years on the most serious count if convicted.

Michael Edward White, 46, the former city manager of Lynn Haven, and David Wayne Horton, 55, the former community services director, are among the five people charged with unlawfully using Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, Lawrence Keefe, the United States attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced Tuesday.

The businesspeople charged in the scheme are David Mitchelle White, 38, the owner of Erosion Control Specialists; Joshua Daniel Anderson, 43, the owner of Greenleaf Lawn Care of Bay County; and Shannon Delores Rodriguez, 37, David White’s sister. All five defendants live in Panama City, Fla., according to a statement released by Mr. Keefe’s office. David White and Michael White are not related, authorities said.

Source: The New York Times

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Keywords:

Theft • Florida • Tropical cyclone • Indictment • Lynn Haven, Florida • Florida • Tropical cyclone • Federal government of the United States • Grand jury • Indictment • Indictment • Mail and wire fraud • Mail and wire fraud • Conspiracy (criminal) • Money laundering • Edward Higgins White • City manager • Lynn Haven, Florida • Federal Emergency Management Agency • United States Attorney • White people • Erosion control • Daniel Anderson (rugby league) • Bay County, Florida • Brother Beyond • Panama City, Florida • Brother Beyond • Michael White (psychotherapist) •