A west Alabama man is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud charges linked to the April 27 tornadoes.
U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler sentenced 47-year-old Robert Lee Spires to 21 months in prison for fraudulently claiming disaster benefits after the twisters.
The judge also ordered Spires during a hearing Thursday to pay almost $1,600 in restitution to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Spires pleaded guilty in November. Authorities say he falsely claimed to be renting a house that was hit by the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Heavy Snow Pushes Northeast From NYC, Raising Risk of Traffic and Air Delays 
RBC Denies Claims of ‘Boys Club’ Culture, Bias Against Women 
Florida And East Coast Will See Big Losses From More Cat 5 Storms, Researchers Say 
Storm Knocks Out Power in Midwest, Threatens Thanksgiving Travel 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.