FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors have charged four employees of a Red Cross call center in California with fraudulently obtaining money mean for hurricane victims.
Aminah Randle, Robert Johnson, Elizabeth Ray and Sheena Porter, all Bakersfield residents, allegedly obtained information from hurricane victims that they then used to arrange payments for themselves and friends or associates. Five other people have also been charged with involvement in the wire fraud scheme.
"It is beyond the pale that there are those who would seek to capitalize on the tragedy wrought by Hurricane Katrina and the generosity of so many who donated relief funds," U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott said.
The Red Cross has set up two call centers to expedite requests for assistance from victims of Hurricane Katrina. The largest one is in Bakersfield.
