DALLAS — A well-organized scheme allegedly created by seven people to steal money from the Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross could have them facing 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
A 25 page federal indictment was unsealed on Thursday afternoon. It claims that the following people intentionally set three fires in three different Dallas locations to collect money from the non-profit agency:
- Marthella Broadus, 35
- Juanita Broadus, 60
- Lashay Kelly, 23
- Kenneth Hunter, 23
- Kevin Hunter, 25
- Georgialyn Guice, 26
- Kenneth E. Smith, 26
News 8 spoke exclusively with an Oak Cliff couple who had a lot to say about Juanita Broadus and her daughter Marthella. The couple — who did not want their names published — said they aren't surprised.
"Whatever happens to them happens," one of them said. "I don't feel bad for them, seriously."
Federal authorities allege that in December 2008, the Broadus' — along with Kenneth E. Smith — intentionally set fire to a rental house on Racine Drive. But while damage topped $16,000, their former neighbors said the accused individuals never seemed bothered.
"Just think — if you see a U-haul in front of somebody's house, and they're moving stuff out of the house — and then about 2 o'clock in the morning you see flames coming out the window? Pretty obvious," a former neighbor said.
Like many victims of disaster, the Broadus' sought help from the Red Cross, claiming 17 people had been displaced. The agency declined to speak on camera, but admits the family was awarded more than $1,700, which they allegedly spent on themselves.
But documents said the deception did not end there. Marthella Broadus then allegedly set two more fires at two different Dallas apartment complexes to get another $3,900 from the Red Cross, this time recruiting four other individuals.
"They get whatever they deserve you know? That's just what happens when people are inconsiderate of others that live around them," a former neighbor said.
"That amount of money is not worth what they went through," another neighbor said. "That's crazy!"
Trial has been set for September 27. All seven suspects have pleaded not guilty.
E-mail sgables@wfaa.com
