Serina Baker-Hill, a high-ranking official at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has been officially charged with defrauding FEMA and misleading federal agents.
According to justice.gov, these accusations unfolded following significant flood damage in Detroit, where Baker-Hill allegedly misappropriated government assistance funds.
In August 2023, Detroit faced severe flooding. This natural disaster led the state of Michigan to receive a federal disaster declaration. Serina Baker-Hill, who resides in Detroit and works as the Director of the CBP’s Automotive and Aerospace Engineering Center, applied for FEMA disaster relief.
A FEMA inspector assessed Baker-Hill’s property and verified flood damage to her basement. As part of her application, Baker-Hill claimed that the damage rendered her home uninhabitable during necessary repairs, necessitating temporary housing.
Based on her claims, FEMA approved funding for Baker-Hill that covered home repairs and provided for two months of rental assistance. These funds were specifically earmarked for her rent and essential utilities in her supposed temporary accommodation.
However, subsequent investigations cast doubts on Baker-Hill’s claims. Bank statements and video surveillance evidence suggested that Baker-Hill, alongside her husband, never vacated their primary residence. Instead, they continued to live in their allegedly uninhabitable home.
Moreover, utility records from Baker-Hill’s residence did not show any significant decrease in usage, which would be expected if the house had indeed been vacated. This contradiction suggested that the rental assistance funds may not have been used as intended.
When confronted by agents from the FBI and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, Baker-Hill denied any wrongdoing. She stated in an interview that she had never engaged in illegal activity or attempted to defraud the U.S. government.
The investigation was carried out by the Detroit Border Corruption Task Force, led by the FBI, with support from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. The case, which has drawn attention due to Baker-Hill's prominent role within CBP, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
Officials, including Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit FBI, and Daniel Altman, Executive Director of CBP-OPR, announced the charges. They highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, especially given Baker-Hill's position.
A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed, formally charging Baker-Hill with the fraudulent scheme. However, it is important to note that the complaint itself stands as a charge and does not constitute proof of guilt. Under U.S. law, a trial must be held, as felony charges cannot be resolved based solely on a complaint.
The charges against Baker-Hill underscore potential vulnerabilities in disaster relief programs intended to help those genuinely affected by calamities. They also bring to light the challenges of overseeing such funds.
As this case proceeds, it will likely prompt discussions about how to better safeguard against misuse of disaster aid, ensuring that help reaches those who truly need it while preserving the integrity of federal assistance programs.
For now, the legal process will take its course, offering Baker-Hill the opportunity to respond to the charges in court. The case is a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability, especially within agencies tasked with public trust.