A federal judge in Houston on Wednesday sentenced Christopher Brian McPherson to five years in prison. McPherson also was ordered to pay more than $278,000 in restitution.
McPherson in April pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Prosecutors say McPherson in 2006 took out classified ads seeking funding to buy used Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers. He allegedly planned to refurbish the units, then sell them to the federal government.
Investigators say McPherson made up vehicle identification numbers for trailers he said he planned to buy, and instead used the money for his personal expenses.
Katrina hit the Gulf coast in August 2005, while Rita impacted Texas and Louisiana the following month.
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