Second woman arrested for falsely accepting storm aid

JACKSON – For the second time in about a week, Mississippi’s Attorney General Jim Hood said a woman has been arrested for falsely claiming damage in April’s storms and collecting storm aid. Forty-three year old Arnita L. James, of Nettleson, was charged with one count of fraudulent use of identity, after she allegedly used a false name and address to collect goods and aids following the deadly tornado on April 27.

Acting on several leads, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department arrested James on May 10, and they were assisted by investigators with the Consumer Protection Division of the attorney general’s office and Mississippi Alcohol and Beverage Control.

James, who lives on the Monroe County side of Nettleton, allegedly went to the Wren Volunteer Fire Department where United Way and other types of aid were being distributed to needy residents in Monroe County, including Smithville, that were devastated by the tornado.

James is accused of giving volunteers a fictitious name, address, and phone number in order to get goods/aid that was to be distributed to the victims of the tornadoes.

Hood said James’ home was actually miles from the path of the storm and was not damaged in any manner.

“These relief workers are there to help every storm victim that needs it,” General Hood said. “When someone files a false claim, it takes away from those who most need it.”

James was transported to the Monroe County Jail where she faces up to five years behind bars.

Last week, 53-year old Pamela Thompson, who lives just outside Smithville, was arrested after she allegedly went to a disaster relief center in Smithville claiming she was picking up items for family members affected by the storm.

Authorities became suspicious when Thompson’s relatives later came to the shelter requesting assistance.

General Hood said if anyone suspects fraud in the aftermath of the deadly storms they should contact Monroe County Sheriff Andy Hood directly at 662-315-4399 or the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-281-4418.