A Texas man involved in a fraud case has been found guilty of cheating an Albany, Georgia church out of millions meant for repairs after Hurricane Michael. Andrew Mitchell, also known as Andrew Aga, from Kemah, Texas, admitted to mail fraud before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. This charge relates to funds allocated for the repair of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which has not been completely renovated following the 2018 disaster.
Mitchell masqueraded as an insurance adjuster, negotiating with the church and its insurers, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. He provided false estimates and manipulated the funds meant for repair work. Mitchell faces potential imprisonment of up to 30 years and a million-dollar fine, with the court yet to decide on the sentencing date.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker expressed concern over the exploitation of the church's trust, stating, "It is disheartening to see someone willing to defraud a place of worship in the wake of a major natural disaster." Moreover, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John F. King highlighted Mitchell’s abuse of the situation, adding, "At a time when victims were still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Andrew Mitchell took advantage of that vulnerability for his own personal gain."
Court records detail that Brotherhood Mutual had sent a $183,207.89 check for initial repairs. Mitchell, posing as part of various consulting groups, submitted inflated estimates to the insurer. Several checks—some forged—were issued to his company and others, with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church receiving only a portion of the funds for its reconstruction. Evidence also showed that Blue Key Construction, which was ostensibly involved in the repair works, ended up halting construction after receiving payments from both the church and Mitchell.
In response to the church's complaints about the lack of progress, Mitchell falsely blamed the insurance company for refusing additional payments. However, investigation revealed these claims were unfounded, and Brotherhood Mutual had paid over $6.8 million intending to cover the necessary repairs.
The investigation involved efforts from the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety, while Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is handling the government's prosecution of this case.
The matter highlights significant fraud in natural disaster recovery efforts, with millions mistakenly redirected as a result of deceitful practices.
