Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Tiffany Brown, a former government contractor, was found guilty by a jury of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a Georgia-based litigation funding company. The conviction follows an eight-day trial in which Brown was charged with defrauding FEMA of nearly $156 million through a contract to provide self-heating meals to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Additionally, she fraudulently obtained $700,000 from the Litigation Funding Group of Georgia (LFG).
"Brown resorted to extraordinary lengths to defraud FEMA during a critical period when individuals were in desperate need of food resources during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria," said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr.
The case revealed that on September 28, 2017, Brown submitted a proposal falsely claiming her company could deliver the necessary meals for FEMA's requirements. Despite these claims, her company failed to meet any obligations outlined in the contract.
"We will continue to investigate and support the prosecution of fraudsters who target vulnerable populations for their own gains," stated DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari.
Brown also misrepresented agreements with logistics companies and fabricated documents to secure fraudulent litigation financing from LFG. Her actions included creating false personas and fake communications between supposed legal representatives.
"Brown greedily deceived the federal government during a natural disaster to enrich herself," said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025. The investigation involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Jessica C. Morris are leading the prosecution efforts against Brown.
For further details or inquiries about this case, contact information is available through the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.
