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FBI looking for more suspects in scheme to steal Katrina funds
ap on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 10/14/05 | AP

Posted on 10/14/2005 2:38:55 PM PDT by NormsRevenge

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - The FBI is looking for four more suspects involved in an alleged scheme to steal American Red Cross funds intended for victims of Hurricane Katrina, authorities said Friday.

Elizabeth Ray, 48, Harold Oats, 26, David Candelaria, 37, and Marietta Snowden, 48, have not been arrested, but they were indicted Thursday along with eleven other Bakersfield residents suspected in the alleged wire fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Fresno. The eleven others were arrested earlier this month.

Authorities believe the suspects submitted fake claims through a Katrina relief call center in Bakersfield. Seven of the suspects worked at the center while the others knew someone there.

Scott said he expects to make more arrests.

"Those who would victimize charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, whose purpose is to provide assistance to victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, are hereby on notice that they will be ferreted out and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Scott said in a statement.

If convicted, each defendant faces up 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, authorities said.