An Atlantic City woman admitted in federal court Thursday unlawfully receiving more than $15,000 in federal housing assistance.
Debbie Hicks, 51, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and making false statements to the federal government, according to a statement issued by U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
Authorities said Hicks’ apartment in the resort was damaged after a 2010 northeaster and she was awarded $923 per month from FEMA for disaster assistance.
But she did not disclose her rent was being paid by the Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development. She also applied for Section 8 housing – using other peoples’ names and Social Security numbers. She did not tell the federal Housing and Urban Development department of these other sources of income.
She received more than $15,000 in funds, authorities said. Hicks faces as long as 35 years in prison and a fine of $500,000. She is scheduled to be sentenced June 14.
