Joplin Man Pleads Guilty to Disaster Fraud
By: Briauna Brown
Updated: March 8, 2013
SPRINGFIELD, MO--- Leslie Lynn Williams, 53, of Joplin, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraudulently receiving federal disaster benefits following the May 22, 2011 tornado. The charges are from a December 13, 2012 federal indictment. Williams admitted that he filed for disaster relief, listing a Joplin address as his primary residence and claimed that it had been damaged by the tornado.
Williams received a little over $1,100 from FEMA. Williams hadn't lived at the address he claimed was damaged since February 2011.
Williams is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. A sentence hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Williams received a little over $1,100 from FEMA. Williams hadn't lived at the address he claimed was damaged since February 2011.
Williams is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. A sentence hearing has yet to be scheduled.
