Michigan CBP Director Accused of FEMA Fraud Scheme Following Detroit Floods
A high-ranking official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Michigan is facing serious allegations of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following severe flooding that impacted the Detroit metropolitan area in 2023. Serina Baker-Hill, 55, who serves as the Director of CBP’s Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering, has been charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud FEMA and making false statements to federal agents.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the criminal complaint against Baker-Hill on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the case. The charges stem from Baker-Hill’s application for FEMA assistance after her home allegedly sustained damage during the devastating floods that struck the Detroit region in August 2023. Following the widespread devastation, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested and secured a federal disaster declaration, making residents eligible to apply for various forms of FEMA aid to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
According to the DOJ complaint, Baker-Hill applied for FEMA assistance, claiming damage to her home as a result of the flooding. A FEMA inspector subsequently visited the property and confirmed damage to the basement area. During the inspection, Baker-Hill allegedly informed the inspector that the damage rendered the home uninhabitable while repairs were being conducted. This assertion, according to the complaint, played a crucial role in FEMA’s decision to approve her application for benefits, which included financial assistance for repairs and temporary rental assistance.
FEMA authorized funds to assist Baker-Hill with covering the costs of necessary repairs to her home. Critically, she was also granted two months of rental assistance, with the stipulation that the funds were specifically earmarked for rent and essential utility costs while she resided in temporary housing. This condition is a standard provision within FEMA’s rental assistance programs, designed to ensure that individuals displaced by disasters have access to safe and adequate shelter while their primary residences are being repaired.
However, the DOJ alleges that Baker-Hill violated the terms of the rental assistance agreement and engaged in a scheme to defraud FEMA. Investigators meticulously reviewed Baker-Hill’s bank records and, according to the complaint, found no evidence that the FEMA funds were used for rental, hotel, or utility expenses as stipulated in the approval letter. This discovery raised immediate red flags, prompting investigators to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding her claim.
Further bolstering their case, investigators obtained surveillance video of Baker-Hill’s home. The video footage allegedly showed Baker-Hill and her husband continuing to reside in the home throughout the period for which she received rental assistance from FEMA. If corroborated, this evidence directly contradicts Baker-Hill’s claim that the home was uninhabitable and would constitute a clear violation of the terms of her FEMA assistance.
The investigation also examined utility records for Baker-Hill’s home during the period in question. The DOJ alleges that the records failed to show any significant decrease in utility usage that would typically be expected if the residence were unoccupied. The consistent utility consumption patterns further support the claim that Baker-Hill and her husband continued to live in the home despite receiving rental assistance intended for temporary housing elsewhere.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the complaint states that agents from the FBI and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) conducted an interview with Baker-Hill regarding the allegations. During the interview, Baker-Hill reportedly denied any wrongdoing, vehemently asserting that she had not committed any crime or defrauded the U.S. government. These denials are now central to the charges of making false statements to federal agents.
The case has garnered significant attention, particularly due to Baker-Hill’s high-profile position within CBP. FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the charges in a post on X, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the FBI, the DOJ, and other interagency partners. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on public corruption and ensuring accountability for the American people. Patel specifically thanked Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI Detroit team for their contributions to the investigation. He stated that Justice will be done.
The investigation is ongoing, and the DOJ will determine whether to seek a felony indictment against Baker-Hill. If convicted of defrauding FEMA and lying to federal agents, Baker-Hill could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment and significant financial fines. Furthermore, a conviction could have severe repercussions for her career with CBP.
The case also highlights concerns about potential fraud within disaster relief programs like FEMA. The allegations against Baker-Hill, if proven true, represent a betrayal of public trust and undermine the integrity of the vital services FEMA provides to individuals and communities impacted by disasters. Authorities are likely to use this case as an example of the serious consequences faced by those who attempt to exploit these programs for personal gain.
The investigation’s focus on Baker-Hill’s bank records, surveillance video, and utility records underscores the increasingly sophisticated methods used by law enforcement to detect and prosecute fraud. These techniques allow investigators to build a comprehensive picture of an individual’s activities and verify the accuracy of their claims. The ongoing nature of the investigation suggests that authorities may be exploring other potential avenues of inquiry and may seek to uncover additional evidence to strengthen their case against Baker-Hill.
The case is being closely watched by legal experts and government watchdog groups, who see it as an important test of the government’s commitment to combating public corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels. The outcome of the case will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for Baker-Hill but also for the broader efforts to prevent and prosecute fraud in disaster relief programs.
