Honolulu Woman Sentenced for Fraudulent Wildfire Relief Claims

Chelsea Johnson received 4 months in prison and $60,458 in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:05am

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A 32-year-old Honolulu woman was sentenced to 4 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release, along with $60,458 in restitution to FEMA, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud by submitting false disaster relief claims related to the deadly Lahaina and Pacific Palisades wildfires.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud in the disaster relief system, which can divert critical funds away from legitimate victims and undermine public trust in emergency response efforts. It also demonstrates the government's commitment to investigating and prosecuting such crimes to protect taxpayer money.

The details

Chelsea Johnson and co-defendant Daylyn Harris were arrested in July 2026 and charged with a 7-count indictment for conspiring to defraud FEMA by submitting false claims for lost income, housing, and property, even though they did not live in the disaster areas or suffer those losses. Harris also made fraudulent claims for medical reimbursements from injuries he said he suffered in the Lahaina wildfire. Johnson assisted by posing as Harris' landlord, even though the actual property owners denied renting to them.

  • On July 15, 2026, Johnson and Harris were arrested and charged.
  • On April 5, 2026, Johnson was sentenced to 4 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
  • On May 4, 2026, Harris is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Chelsea Johnson

A 32-year-old Honolulu woman who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud by submitting false disaster relief claims.

Daylyn Harris

Co-defendant who also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2026.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The government agency that provides disaster relief funds, which were defrauded by Johnson and Harris.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that prosecuted the case against Johnson and Harris.

Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General

The agency that investigated the fraud case.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on May 4, 2026 whether to sentence Daylyn Harris, the co-defendant, to prison time as well.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the government's commitment to investigating and prosecuting disaster relief fraud in order to protect taxpayer money and ensure that critical aid reaches those who truly need it in the aftermath of devastating wildfires.