(WHTM) — A Pennsylvania woman is accused of scamming the federal government out of over $1.5 million intended for Hurricane Ida relief in Sept. 2021, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

Jasmine Williams 33, of Montgomery County, was arrested Tuesday and charged by indictment with one count of fraud related to a major disaster declaration, 24 counts of wire fraud, and seven counts of mail fraud, a news release from the DOJ said.

President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for eastern parts of Pennsylvania following the remnants of Hurricane Ida that hit the area. This gave FEMA the authorization to provide financial help to those impacted by the hurricane.

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Williams allegedly stole over $1.5 million from FEMA by submitting fake documents to the agency on behalf of others whom she had recruited via social media. The DOJ says she advertised that she could help them applying benefits. Documents included fake leases, letters from landlords, utility bills, earning statements and home repair estimates.

According to the DOJ, Williams faces up to 960 years in prison if she is convicted.

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The Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – Fraud Prevention and Investigations investigated the case.

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