2 Convicted in Federal Katrina Fraud Probe

A Mississippi man and a Missouri woman have been found guilty in federal court on charges of Hurricane Katrina-related fraud.

A jury found William C. Breland Jr. of Pass Christian guilty Thursday of six counts of fraud against the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including false claim, false statement, stealing and mail fraud.

Breland faces up to 85 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines.

Amber D. Dungan of Waverley, Mo., was convicted of five counts of FEMA fraud, including false claim, false statement, stealing and mail fraud. Dungan faces up to 65 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines.

Federal and state law enforcement officials have created a Katrina Fraud Task Force in the Southern District of Mississippi to pursue and prosecute those who engage in disaster fraud.

Source: The Clarion-Ledger.