A federal judge in Birmingham, Alabama has sentenced three family members to prison for trying to steal more than $3 million from the claims fund established by BP after the Gulf oil spill.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn ordered a sentence of 12 years and one month for Marcella Truss. Her husband, Martee Davis, got 13 years and three months. His brother, Howard Lenard Carroway of Mobile, got an eight-year sentence. Truss and her husband lived in Grand Bay and Birmingham during the case. They were order to pay back $1.9 million in claims that were paid.
A federal court jury convicted the three of conspiracy, aggravated identity theft and other charges.
U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance said Monday more than 50 fraudulent claims were filed using 37 names.