A Houston man was sentenced to almost two decades in prison after stealing millions intended for a Georgia church’s recovery following Hurricane Michael.

According to WALB, Andrew Mitchell, 46, who also went by the name “Andrew Aga,” was sentenced Wednesday to 235 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. His conviction stems from a scheme to divert disaster insurance funds away from an Albany church that had sustained severe storm damage.

The Department of Justice revealed Mitchell took nearly $6.9 million in funds intended for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Albany. Officials said he was posing as an insurance adjuster to intercept the money after the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Long prison term and financial penalties

The sentencing includes strict financial consequences alongside the prison term. Federal authorities ordered Mitchell to repay almost $4 million in restitution to victims in several states.

The restitution amount totals precisely $3,978,896.42, which will be shared among individuals and organizations affected across Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. In addition to his prison time, authorities plan to enforce restitution efforts for years after his release.

Mitchell’s sentencing marks one of the lengthier fraud-related prison terms tied to hurricane recovery scams. Prosecutors said the case highlights how disaster funds are vulnerable to exploitation by opportunists posing as legitimate contractors or adjusters.

Church devastated by financial impact

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was already grappling with extensive structural damage when the scam occurred. The congregation expected the relief funding to play a critical role in repairing the church and supporting displaced worshippers.

Instead, Mitchell allegedly redirected the compensation to an address in Texas, cutting the church off from its expected disaster recovery support. The millions of dollars in redirected funds left the congregation without immediate resources to restore facilities destroyed by the Category 5 hurricane.

The DOJ pointed to the impact on the Albany church as a reason for the severity of the sentence. Officials said the fraudulent actions undercut recovery efforts while exploiting an already vulnerable community.

Lessons from Hurricane Michael fraud case

Hurricane Michael struck Georgia in October 2018 with catastrophic winds and flooding, leaving communities in need of swift financial aid. Fraudulent schemes emerged soon after, as federal disaster relief money and insurance payouts were distributed.

Mitchell’s case serves as an example of individuals inserting themselves into those pipelines by presenting false credentials and redirecting money. Investigators said that his deception lasted long enough to secure millions before red flags were raised.

The DOJ has warned that disaster recovery programs remain a target for fraud, urging organizations and churches to carefully vet individuals offering recovery services. Mitchell’s background as a supposed adjuster allowed him to infiltrate under the guise of legitimacy.

Why This Story Matters

This story demonstrates how natural disasters create opportunities for exploitation by fraudsters. It shows how communities already in distress can easily fall victim to financial crimes. Highlighting cases like this can raise awareness and serve as a warning for others facing similar circumstances.

Conclusion

A federal court sentenced 46-year-old Andrew Mitchell of Houston to 235 months in prison for defrauding the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, of nearly $6.9 million in Hurricane Michael disaster relief funds. Using a false identity and masquerading as an insurance adjuster, Mitchell redirected the funds to a Texas address.

In addition to prison time, he was ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution and will be under federal supervision for three years after his release. Mitchell’s actions also affected victims in Texas and Louisiana, forming part of a broader fraudulent scheme. While justice has now been served, the impact of his deception continues to resonate with the victims he exploited at their most vulnerable moment.