Bergen Woman Accused Of $125K In Superstorm Sandy Fraud

A Bergen County woman is accused of defrauding the government out of more than $125,000 in Superstorm Sandy relief funds.

Appolonia DePiazza, 53, of Lodi allegedly filed fraudulent applications for FEMA assistance and state grants, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced Friday.

DiPiazza allegedly falsely claimed on the applications that her Little Egg Township home was her primary residence when Sandy struck New Jersey in 2012.

DePiazza is one of five people recently charged by the Attorney General's Office with filing fraudulent applications for Superstorm Sandy relief.

“DCA remains committed to pursuing people who steal Sandy recovery funds for their own personal gain,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, commissioner of the state Division of Criminal Affairs. “This ensures that taxpayer dollars are going to Sandy survivors who legitimately qualify for assistance.”

More than 100 people have been charged by the Attorney General's Office for diverting more than $6 million in state and federal relief funds related to Superstorm Sandy.

“Any fraud against public assistance programs is deplorable, but these thefts were especially egregious because they diverted funds intended for victims left homeless by one of the most devastating storms in New Jersey history,” Grewal said. “We have recovered over $2 million through these prosecutions and we also have sent a strong message that should deter this type of fraud during future disaster relief efforts.”

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Photo: Appolonia DiPiazza, 53/Office of the Attorney General