Florida man accused of defrauding FEMA of thousands of dollars after hurricanes, tropical storm

As people in Florida are struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, a Jacksonville man is wanted on allegations of defrauding FEMA of thousands of dollars.

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Lepoleon Spikes is accused of claiming damage to different homes in Jacksonville for three separate storms.

A grand jury indictment claims he provided FEMA with fraudulent lease agreements as proof of damage.

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Documents say Spikes was awarded thousands of dollars after Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, as well as Tropical Storm Debby.

“You’re taking from people and families that really need the money,” said Scherlinda Bennett, who says her home was flooded during both Matthew and Irma.

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ActionNewsJax went to one of the homes where Spikes supposedly lived, but learned that was years ago. The home's current owner claims it never had storm damage.

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