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Serina Baker-Hill of Detroit, an official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has been charged in a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and for lying to federal agents.
Baker-Hill, 55, is the director of CBP’s Center for Excellence and Expertise in Automotive and Aerospace Engineering in Detroit.
A criminal complaint unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court states that in August 2023, following a series of floods, Michigan’s request for a federal disaster declaration was approved, allowing residents to apply for FEMA assistance. Baker-Hill was granted FEMA aid after claiming her home was damaged.
She told FEMA officials that she could not safely live in the home while repairs were being made. As a result, FEMA provided her with $3,125.24 for home repairs and $3,190 for two months of rental assistance.
However, authorities allege that Baker-Hill’s bank records show none of the FEMA money was used for rent, hotel stays, or utilities. Video surveillance also showed that Baker-Hill and her husband continued living in the home.
Authorities allege she later lied to federal agents about any wrongdoing.
An FBI affidavit revealed that federal agents were already investigating Baker-Hill and her husband for potential criminal activity when they uncovered the alleged FEMA fraud.
