POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Victims Sought in FEMA Fraud Investigation
June 17, 2016 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested and believed responsible for at least three incidents of fraud/forgery related to the recent flood disasters in the Houston area.
The suspect, Derron L. Skinner, (b/m, 25), is charged with forgery in the 179th State District Court. A photo of Skinner is attached to this news release.
The victims had filed claims for damages from the recent flooding. One of the victims told investigators a friend of hers knew someone who worked at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and could help them handle their claims. The victims were contacted by Skinner, who represented himself as a FEMA employee. The victims' claim information was provided to Skinner and they were instructed to meet him at their respective banks. Skinner then gave them several checks at one time, usually less than $1,000 each, and instructed them to deposit the funds via an ATM. The following day, Skinner met the victims again at their respective banks where they withdrew a significant amount of money (reportedly for fees and inspectors) and gave him the cash. A few days later, the checks were charged back as fraudulent, leaving the victims responsible for any money the bank did not recover, usually the amount given to Skinner.
Further investigation identified Skinner as the suspect in these incidents. He was arrested on Thursday (June 16) without incident.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information on Skinner or in these cases to contact the HPD Financial Crimes Unit at 713-308-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
suspect Derron Skinner
VHS/JFC 6-17-16
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
