Former West Virginia official faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

5years ago

A former West Virginia executive, Pamela Taylor, who was executive director of the Clay County Development Corporation who was fired for criticizing Michelle Obama as a "monkey" recently pleaded guilty to defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the Charleston Gazette-Mail newspaper. She now faces 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $ 500,000.

Pamela Taylor, who served as executive director of the Clay County Development Corporation, lost her position in 2016 after praising Melania Trump and insulting Michelle Obama with a racist Facebook post.

"It will be refreshing to have an elegant, worthy and dignified first lady of the White House," Taylor wrote. "I'm tired of seeing a monkey in heels."

Taylor confessed last week that she had received more than $ 18,000 in relief payments after registering for FEMA after a flood in June 2016. She falsely claimed that her principal residence had been damaged.

"The flood was a natural disaster. Flying FEMA is a man-made disaster, "said US Attorney Mike Stuart. "The June 2016 floods were historic and devastated thousands of people in western Virginia. Lives have been lost. Too many of our brothers and sisters have lost everything. FEMA dollars are critical but limited. Stealing FEMA critical dollars is a crime.

Taylor agreed to pay compensation of $ 18,149.04 in her plea agreement.