ASHEVILLE, N.C. —

A North Carolina woman has been indicted after investigators say she defrauded the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) following Tropical Storm Helene.

The United States Department of Justice said Peggy Lee Cantrell, 40, from Marion, North Carolina, filed a false FEMA application claiming damage to a non-existent property at 193 Beaver Creek Road.

She initially claimed to be a renter, then changed status to owner, the DOJ said. They said she actually lived in Wake County, outside the storm-affected area.

The investigation revealed that Cantrell submitted forged documents, including a fake property disclosure statement. Authorities said she also used another person's signature without consent.

Cantrell received $30,631.59 from FEMA on March 12, 2025.

S

See Full Page