ALBANY, Ga. – A Texas man posing as an insurance adjuster has pleaded guilty to defrauding an Albany church out of millions of dollars intended for Hurricane Michael repairs, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Andrew Mitchell, also known as “Andrew Aga,” 45, of Kemah, Texas, admitted to one count of mail fraud on March 27 before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. He faces up to 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Sentencing will be determined at a later date.
Fraudulent Scheme Targeted Hurricane-Damaged Church
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, located on Pine Avenue in Albany, suffered significant damage when Hurricane Michael struck as a Category 3 storm in October 2018. Initial inspections revealed at least 216,000 in damages, and the church’s insurer, Brotherhood MutualInsurance Company, issued an initial payment of 183,207.89.
Mitchell, posing as a public adjuster, allegedly inflated repair estimates and diverted funds meant for the church. Court documents reveal that he submitted fraudulent estimates ranging from 2.1million to 7.1 million. In July 2019, Brotherhood Mutual issued a $3.3 million check jointly payable to the church and Mitchell, but he later requested the check be reissued to an address in Texas, where a forged endorsement was used to deposit the funds.
Millions Diverted, Repairs Left Incomplete
Between 2019 and 2021, Brotherhood Mutual issued multiple payments totaling nearly $6.9 million for repairs. However, investigators found that Mitchell:
- Submitted fake invoices, including a $950,000 HVAC invoice for work never performed.
- Forged a contract between the church and Blue Key Construction for $18.6 million, which church leaders denied authorizing.
- Lied to contractors, claiming the insurance company refused additional payments.
Blue Key Construction received only about 2.3 million fromMitchell and halted work in February 2021 after receiving approximately. 150,000 from the church.
Officials Condemn Exploitation of Disaster Victims
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker condemned Mitchell’s actions, stating, “It is disheartening to see someone willing to defraud a place of worship in the wake of a major natural disaster.”
Georgia Insurance Commissioner John F. King added, “Andrew Mitchell took advantage of victims’ vulnerability for personal gain. Our investigators worked diligently with federal prosecutors to ensure accountability.”
The case was investigated by the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety. Mitchell’s sentencing will be scheduled by the court.
