Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A New Boston woman has been arrested by the FBI for her alleged involvement in a fraud scheme related to child modeling events, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Chanise Coyne, 46, faces charges including seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. Authorities allege that Coyne obtained more than $4.6 million from a family after claiming the funds would be used as advance fees for their daughter's participation in modeling events across the country.
The indictment states that Coyne produced fraudulent records about the girl's supposed placement in these events and impersonated another individual as part of her actions. Investigators say that none of the funds were actually used for modeling opportunities. Instead, it is alleged that Coyne misappropriated the money for personal benefit, with significant amounts spent on gambling activities and multiple transactions involving the online sports betting platform FanDuel.
“Fraud schemes that prey on the emotional bonds of families are egregious. This defendant allegedly took advantage of a family’s love for their daughter, stole their nest egg, and then gambled it away. We will pursue fraud schemes in all their forms,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Detroit Field Office, commented: “Those who think they can scam Michigan families out of their hard-earned money need to think again. The FBI will identify you, investigate you, and arrest you. The defendant allegedly participated in a fraud scheme designed to deprive a family of millions of dollars under the false pretense the funds would be used for their daughter's future career. FBI Detroit will always work to protect Michigan families from these schemes and will disrupt those who exploit our citizens and betray their trust.”
Authorities remind that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind.
