DETROIT – A Customs and Border Protection director has been charged with defrauding FEMA and lying to federal agents.
Serina Baker-Hill, the Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering director, reportedly claimed her home was unlivable following the Detroit floods in August 2023.
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According to an affidavit, the fraud was discovered by FBI agents who were investigating her husband for narcotics trafficking.
August 2023: Photos: Roads flooded, structures damaged after powerful storms move through Michigan
The state had requested and was approved for a federal disaster declaration, which allowed residents to apply for FEMA assistance.
According to authorities, Baker-Hill applied for assistance for flood damage and told a FEMA official who was inspecting her basement that she could not safely live in her home while repairs were being made.
FEMA approved the request to assist with home repairs and for two months of rent assistance for temporary housing. She reportedly received $3,125 for home repairs and $3,190 for rent assistance.
According to court documents, the FBI’s investigation into her husband allowed the agency to intercept wire and/or electronic communications.
Authorities said Baker-Hill’s bank records showed that none of the FEMA money was used for housing or utility expenses and that surveillance cameras showed that she and her husband continued to live in the home.
Additionally, the affidavit includes a transcript of a phone call between Baker-Hill and her husband, where they reportedly discussed forging a document from an HVAC inspector in an effort to obtain more money from FEMA.
Baker-Hill was charged Wednesday, March 12, with engaging in a scheme to defraud FEMA and lying to federal agents.
Related: 7 charged in Detroit gun, drug ring
