Detroit, MI — A 46-year-old New Boston woman has been arrested and charged in what federal prosecutors describe as a $4.6 million fraud scheme targeting a family who believed they were investing in their daughter’s modeling future.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Chanise Coyne was indicted on seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering following an investigation by the FBI.
Prosecutors allege Coyne convinced a family to pay millions of dollars in advance fees for their young daughter’s participation in modeling events across the country. The indictment claims Coyne created false and fraudulent documents to make it appear the child had been placed in modeling events, and at times allegedly impersonated a third party to further the scheme.
Federal authorities say none of the money was used to secure legitimate modeling opportunities. Instead, prosecutors allege the funds were misappropriated for Coyne’s personal benefit, including significant gambling expenditures. Court documents specifically reference multiple alleged money laundering transactions involving the online sports betting platform FanDuel.
“Fraud schemes that prey on the emotional bonds of families are egregious. This defendant allegedly took advantage of a family’s love for their daughter, stole their nest egg, and then gambled it away. We will pursue fraud schemes in all their forms,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Those who think they can scam Michigan families out of their hard-earned money need to think again. The FBI will identify you, investigate you, and arrest you,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The defendant allegedly participated in a fraud scheme designed to deprive a family of millions of dollars under the false pretense the funds would be used for their daughter’s future career. FBI Detroit will always work to protect Michigan families from these schemes and will disrupt those who exploit our citizens and betray their trust.”
Coyne is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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