DETROIT (Diya TV) — A high-ranking U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official has been indicted on charges of trying to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and lying to federal authorities. Serina Baker-Hill, Director of the Center for Excellence and Expertise in Automotive and Aerospace Engineering, is accused of submitting false claims for disaster relief after the August 2023 floods in Detroit.
Based on court files, Baker-Hill also claimed her home as uninhabitable because of the flooding and claimed FEMA aid. She told a FEMA inspector that repairs had made her home unsafe for living, which resulted in the release of money for $6,315—$3,125 for home repairs and $3,190 for temporary housing.
The supposed scam emerged during an FBI probe into Baker-Hill’s husband over narcotics trafficking. Intercepts uncovered inconsistencies in the FEMA claim, and an investigation ensued.
This case highlights the FBI’s renewed efforts to address public corruption. Newly sworn FBI Director Kash Patel has pushed for the rebuilding of public confidence in the agency. In a recent op-ed piece, Patel outlined his effort to transparency and granting agents autonomy to do their work without unnecessary meddling.
Patel’s nomination to serve as FBI Director has drawn both support and backlash. Some legislators are troubled by his political affiliations and suspected biases, but others contend his leadership will introduce needed reforms to the agency. Baker-Hill is charged with defrauding a federal agency and making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, she may face substantial sanctions, including jail time and fines.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials reaffirming their determination to maintain the integrity of public services. They urge those with relevant information to reach out to the FBI’s Detroit field office. This event underscores the vital need for ethical behavior among public servants and the continued efforts toward transparency and government trust.
