The director of Michigan's U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) is accused of implementing plans to fraudulent the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after a series of floods damaged her home in 2023.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday sealed off criminal charges against 55-year-old Serina Baker-Hill, engaging in a plot to fraudulent FEMA and accusing federal agents of lying.
Baker-Hill is a career employee at CBP and is director of CBP's Center for Excellence and Exterpute and Automotive and Aerospace Engineering.
“Following our efforts with interagency partners, we can report that a career-level employee at US Customs and Border Protection has been accused of allegedly attempting to fraudulent FEMA,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
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“This is part of the new FBI's new efforts to crack down on public corruption and to hold Americans accountable. Justice will be done. Thanks to the @agpambondi @thejusticedept and the @fbidetroit team, for their work.”
FEMA approved Michigan's federal disaster declaration request after a series of floods destroyed the Detroit area in August 2023. The disaster declaration allowed residents to apply for FEMA support.
The DOJ said Baker Hill applied for assistance after the flood damaged his home, and FEMA inspectors determined that the home's basement was damaged.
While inspectors were conducting the inspection, Baker Hill allegedly said he could not live in his home safely while repairs were being made. Therefore, FEMA has approved the benefit to assist in paying for repairs. She was also offered two months of rental assistance. This showed that Baker-Hill would be used solely to help pay rent and essential utility costs in temporary housing.
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Michigan's CBP director has been accused of scamming FEMA and lying to federal agents. (CBP Field Operation/x)
Investigators say they reviewed Baker-Hill's bank records and found no money was used for rent, hotel or utility costs.
Surveillance video from the home was also reviewed by investigators, allegedly showing that she and her husband lived in the home after receiving rental assistance funds from FEMA.
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US Customs Border Patrol Patch on uniforms of the Chief Patrol Agent of the US Border Patrol. (CBP)
According to the DOJ, the records also showed no significant drop in utility, consistent with vacant homes over the period.
Agents from the FBI and CBP Expert Liability Office (OPR) interviewed Baker-Hill, who refused to refuse criminal offences or fraudulent the US government.
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The investigation is underway. Once completed, it will determine whether you seek a felony charge.
