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Six accused of making false claims on cattle

HOUSTON (AP)--Six people have been indicted and arrested for filing false claims after Hurricane Rita that they lost hundreds of cattle which authorities say didn't exist.

Authorities say the individuals were arrested Aug. 19. They had claimed more than 500 of their cattle were swept away into the Gulf of Mexico after Rita came ashore in Southeast Texas in September 2005.

Prosecutors say the individuals ended up getting more than $390,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Charged in the four-count indictment are: Mark Wittliff, 52, of Houston; Richard Roberson, 61, of Port Arthur; and Jackie Hanna, 59; Donald Loiacano, 57; his wife Pamela Loiacano, 54; and his brother Anthony Loiacano Jr., 56, all of Beaumont.

Court records did not indicate if any of them had attorneys.

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