A Texas man has admitted to defrauding a Georgia church out of millions meant for hurricane repairs, a shocking case that has raised eyebrows across the nation. Andrew Mitchell, 45, also known by the alias “Andrew Aga,” entered a guilty plea last week in a federal court, marking a significant moment in a case that highlights the vulnerabilities of religious organizations in times of crisis.
Mitchell faces a potential sentence of 30 years in prison, coupled with three years of supervised release and a hefty $1 million fine. The sentencing date is yet to be determined, but the implications of his actions are already resonating within the community and beyond.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker expressed her dismay over the situation, stating, “It is disheartening to see someone willing to defraud a place of worship in the wake of a major natural disaster.” This sentiment reflects the broader concern about trust and integrity in the aftermath of disasters, particularly when communities are trying to rebuild.
The church at the center of this scandal is the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018, Mitchell approached the church, presenting himself as a public adjuster. Over the course of three years, he manipulated the system, submitting falsified documents to Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company to secure substantial payouts. Court documents reveal that Mitchell submitted an invoice for nearly $1 million for work that was never done, showcasing a blatant disregard for the trust placed in him.
In January 2021, Brotherhood Mutual issued a check for over $544,000, which Mitchell fraudulently endorsed, pocketing funds intended for the church’s recovery. Despite the insurance company disbursing more than $6.86 million for the church’s repairs, church representatives grew concerned about the incomplete work and Mitchell’s misleading claims about withheld payments.
This is not Mitchell’s first run-in with the law. Earlier this year, he was arrested in Louisiana for allegedly stealing $592,000 from settlement checks meant for clients who had suffered property damage due to Hurricane Ida. Reports indicate that he had forged signatures to access these funds, raising serious questions about his ethical practices in the insurance industry.
Insurance defense attorney Steven Badger commented on the rapid response by Louisiana regulators, stating, “I am very pleased to see the prompt action… Hopefully, we will soon see similar charges in Texas and Georgia where he has similar alleged victims.” This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance within the insurance sector, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations like churches and disaster victims.
Mitchell’s actions have not only impacted the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church but have also cast a shadow over the integrity of public adjusters and insurance claims processes. The church community, which had placed its faith in Mitchell during a time of need, now faces the daunting task of recovering from both the hurricane and the betrayal.
As this case unfolds, it is crucial for congregations and individuals to remain informed about the risks associated with insurance claims and to seek trustworthy professionals to assist them. The fallout from this scandal could lead to increased scrutiny of public adjusters and their practices, ultimately aiming to protect those who are most vulnerable during times of crisis.
For ongoing updates and insights into similar cases, you can follow the U.S. Department of Justice’s press releases here.