Local Publisher Claims Shreveport FEMA Fraud

Danny Lawler is best known as publisher of The Inquisitor newspaper. But this weekend Lawler claims he witnessed widespread fraud as FEMA officials were handing out foodstamp vouchers to, not only local flood victims, but anyone who got in line.

Lawler posted this on his private Facebook page regarding what says he saw at the Vo-Tech on North Market Street.

Late Sunday, KEEL received an email response from Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services. Although saying they could not yet address the Shreveport situation, part of their statement reads as follows:

"As with all programs, DCFS works to ensure this program and others are available for eligible applicants by aggressively protecting against fraud in benefits programs year round. Strong safeguards are in place to ensure that only eligible citizens receive DSNAP benefits, to identify those who are dishonest about their eligibility, and to pursue recoupment and/or prosecution."