A federal criminal complaint has been filed against Serina Baker-Hill, the Director of the United States Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering. The complaint alleges her involvement in a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and making false statements to federal agents. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
The announcement was made with 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, aged 55 and residing in Detroit, is accused following events after a series of floods in Detroit in August 2023. Michigan's request for a federal disaster declaration had been approved, allowing residents to apply for FEMA assistance. Baker-Hill applied for aid due to flood damage to her home's basement. She informed a FEMA inspector that she could not live safely at home during repairs, leading FEMA to approve benefits for home repairs and two months of rental assistance.
However, bank records show none of the FEMA funds were used for rent or utilities. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Baker-Hill continued living at her residence after receiving assistance funds. Utility records do not reflect significant changes suggesting unoccupancy during this period.
When interviewed by FBI and CBP-OPR agents, Baker-Hill denied any illegal activities or defrauding the U.S. government.
It is important to note that a complaint is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. No trial on felony charges can proceed based solely on a complaint; further investigation will determine if there is sufficient basis for a felony indictment.
The case investigation involves the FBI’s Detroit Border Corruption Task Force, CBP-OPR, with support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown is handling prosecution duties.