A Harrison County woman has admitted she fraudulently obtained nearly $18,000 in disaster assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Katrina.

Brittany Cruthirds, 30, of Biloxi pleaded guilty to wire fraud Tuesday. She is free pending sentencing Jan. 16.

U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden has signed an order requiring her to repay the money.

Cruthirds also faces up to 20 years in prison.

Records show Cruthirds filed for assistance using an address in Long Beach. The indictment said she was not renting an apartment there at the time of the hurricane and knew she was filing false claims for help.