According to the Bradenton Police Department, a woman has been arrested for fraudulently applying for hurricane disaster assistance.
Veronica Torres, 44, faces charges of filing a false public assistance claim, a third-degree felony. Authorities allege that Torres used her mother’s name, driver’s license, and Social Security information to apply for funds under the City of Bradenton’s Hurricane Disaster Assistance Program. Torres claimed she was displaced from her home due to hurricane damage and secured approval for a $7,967 payment.
The fraud was uncovered on Thursday, November 14, when Torres attempted to collect the check. A City of Bradenton employee noted discrepancies, as Torres appeared significantly younger than the person shown on the identification submitted with the application. Torres attributed the difference to “botox treatments,” but the employee remained skeptical and asked her to return the following day. The employee also alerted the Bradenton Police Department.
When Torres returned on Friday, November 15, Bradenton Police detectives questioned her and subsequently arrested her.
The investigation is ongoing.