WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A West Palm Beach woman helped create and submit fake documents to obtain Palm Beach County rental and utility assistance, leading to more than $6,200 in improperly issued public funds, according to a report released by the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General.
Investigators say Lakeita Westbrook, a West Palm Beach resident, advertised on Facebook from August 2022 through 2023, offering to help people apply for county rental, food, and utility assistance — including creating false paperwork for an added fee. In one post, Westbrook wrote she was doing “Broward/Palm Beach rental assistance” and charged $150 if documents or pay stubs needed to be made.
The Inspector General found that Westbrook worked with two applicants to submit falsified supporting documents, including fake pay stubs, leases, car repair invoices, and a Social Security loss-of-benefits letter. Those applications resulted in $6,222.67 in inappropriate funding being issued by the county.
What investigators say happened
According to the report, applications connected to the scheme were submitted from an internet protocol address linked to Westbrook. Financial records show both applicants paid her through Cash App shortly before their applications were filed…