Two individuals from Honolulu, Hawaii, have been indicted on charges related to fraudulent claims for disaster relief funds. Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced the arrests of Daylyn Harris, 34, and Chelsea Johnson, 32, who were taken into custody on July 15, 2025. The federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against them on July 17, 2025.
The indictment accuses Harris and Johnson of conspiring to commit wire fraud by submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They allegedly claimed losses due to two federal disasters despite not residing in the affected areas or suffering any losses. Harris is accused of falsely claiming residence in Lahaina during the fires in August and September 2023, with Johnson posing as his landlord. In January 2025, Johnson allegedly claimed residence in Pacific Palisades during the California fires.
Together, they reportedly received over $60,000 in FEMA disaster relief funds. If convicted, they face up to thirty years in prison and fines of up to $1 million per count.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any sentencing would be determined by a United States District Judge according to statutory factors and guidelines.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General with help from the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is handling the prosecution.
