Worker 'Appalls' FEMA Director

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Worker 'Appalls' FEMA Director

Agency probes home purchase

by McCarthy, Florida Today

http://www.imakenews.com/pureaircontrols/e_article000395370.cfm?

x=b4PsNP3,bvtv58G

FEMA's director said Monday he was " appalled " that a FEMA contractor

bought a damaged Melbourne Beach oceanfront home for hundreds of

thousands of dollars below market value after last year's hurricanes.

came to Brevard County in October as a hazard-mitigation

counselor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. found

the home when its previous owner called the agency for advice on how

to deal with mold damage to the house. paid $250,000 for the

property.

FEMA Director Mike Brown wouldn't detail exactly what his agency's

rules were concerning such a deal. But in a telephone news

conference with reporters Monday, he clearly was not happy with

' actions. " I am appalled by the actions of that one

individual, " Brown said.

He said he didn't want " the poor judgment of one individual to

reflect poorly on the other 10,000 FEMA workers who were (in

Florida). "

Federal law prohibits government employees from using their

positions for private gain or using nonpublic information to further

their private interest.

The hurricane-damaged house next to the one bought is for sale

for $1.1 million, as is. In November, before closed on the

house, he listed the property for resale at $700,000, according to

real estate records. He later withdrew that listing.

, who is a licensed real estate broker in Missouri, has said he

did nothing wrong. " She set the price on the house. She wanted to

sell it. I bought the house, " he said.

The house bought was a second home for Greco, a 72-year-

old Rockledge woman.

had been discussing mold problems in the house with Greco. He

asked her whether she would be interested in selling. She agreed and

set the price of $250,000 based on an appraisal she had gotten of

the land's value three years earlier. " I thought it was fair; now I

guess I'm finding out otherwise, " Greco said.

wasn't at home when FLORIDA TODAY called Monday for his

reaction to Brown's comments.

His wife did not want to take a message for her husband to call

back. " I told him to get a lawyer, and he'll give you our side of

the story, " a said.

Brown said the agency was examining the deal to see whether

broke any federal rules.

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