A Beaumont man faces up to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to hurricane
Fraud. 61-year old Ricky Gonzales applied for assistance from FEMA following Hurricane
Harvey for damage to a residence in Mauriceville, which he claimed was his primary residence.
Gonzales received $35,000 as a result of his claim. The property was actually rented and
occupied by his daughter, who also made a claim on the property. Rental income properties
are not eligible for FEMA funds. Gonzales will be sentenced on a later date.