How does someone fraudulently obtain Palm Beach County rental assistance funds? The Palm Beach County Inspector General says this is how a West Palm Beach woman made it happen.
Lakeita Westbrook went so far as to offer her services on a Facebook page, charging a fee to create and submit fake documents. This led to two applicants improperly receiving over $6,200 in public funds, the IG said in a report issued this month.
Westbrook was not facing criminal charges as of Jan. 7. The IG’s Office said it has referred Westbrook’s case to the State Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine if prosecution is warranted. Attempts to reach her for comment were not immediately successful. The IG report said that when questioned by investigators, she said she regretted her actions: “I was only trying to make an extra buck.”
Woman offered to create fake documents for $150, county says
Investigators say Westbrook advertised on Facebook from August 2022 through 2023 that she could produce fake invoices and paystubs for people seeking county funds for rent, food, and utility assistance. In one post, Westbrook said she was providing “Broward/Palm Beach rental assistance” for $150 if documents needed to be fabricated…