Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed against Serina Baker-Hill, the Director of United States Customs and Border Protection’s Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering. She is accused of engaging in a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and lying to federal agents, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
Beck was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Daniel Altman, Executive Director of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
Baker-Hill, 55, from Detroit, allegedly applied for FEMA assistance following floods in August 2023 after Michigan's request for a federal disaster declaration was approved. A FEMA inspector confirmed damage to her basement. Baker-Hill claimed she could not live safely at home during repairs, leading FEMA to approve benefits for repairs and two months' rental assistance. The funds were intended exclusively for rent and essential utilities while she resided elsewhere.
However, bank records indicate that none of the FEMA money was used for rental or utility expenses. Surveillance showed Baker-Hill and her husband continued living at their home after receiving rental assistance funds. Utility records did not reflect a decrease consistent with vacancy.
During an interview with FBI and CBP-OPR agents, Baker-Hill denied any illegal activity or defrauding the U.S. government.
The complaint is only a charge without evidence of guilt; trials cannot proceed on felony charges based solely on complaints. Upon completion of the investigation, authorities will decide whether to seek a felony indictment.
The investigation involved the FBI’s Detroit Border Corruption Task Force and CBP-OPR, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown is prosecuting the case.
