Post-San Bruno blast scammer takes deal

A San Francisco man accused of posing as a San Bruno explosion victim to secure money and other aid meant for victims of the deadly gas line catastrophe will be sentenced today for identity theft and perjury.

Deonte James Bennett, 27, pleaded no contest to the counts and admitted a prior strike in June in return for no more than 48 months in prison. Judge Robert Foiles can also consider less time at the sentencing hearing today.

Bennett was also originally charged with commercial burglary.

Bennett, along with three women who previously accepted negotiated plea deals, allegedly entered the San Bruno victim assistance center five days after the Sept. 9, 2010 explosion and fire claiming to have lost all their belongings. The fire killed eight people, destroyed dozens of homes and devastated the neighborhood.

On Sept. 14, 2010, the four suspects reportedly presented addresses within the disaster zone found on the Internet. They tried getting new identification from the Department of Motor Vehicles so they could then receive aid from Pacific Gas and Electric but were apprehended by San Bruno police. Two other women, Lisa Monique Justin, 42, and Sonya Smith, 44, are San Bruno residents but lived five miles from the neighborhood affected by the gas pipeline explosion and subsequent fire, according to the prosecution. Another, Niesha Marie Taylor, lives in San Francisco.

Justin and Smith received credit for time served plus probation and community service. Taylor received nine months in jail.

Bennett failed to appear in court after posting his original bond and remained at large until being apprehended on a $100,000 arrest warrant. Bennett is currently free from custody on a $50,000 bail bond.

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.