Iowan Admits Submitting False Flood Claim

An eastern Iowa woman has admitted submitting a false application for federal benefits made available after flooding in 2008.

Federal prosecutors say 32-year-old Jessica Hines, of Oxford Junction, pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of disaster benefits fraud.

Prosecutors say Hines falsely claimed she lived in a house in Oxford Junction at the time of the flood and that her home and personal property were damaged.

Prosecutors say Hines didn’t live at that house and that her home and personal property weren’t damaged.

She faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. Her sentencing date has not been set.