Federal agents say a Downriver photographer turned a child’s modeling dream into a multimillion-dollar nightmare.
Yesterday, the FBI arrested New Boston resident Chanise Coyne, 46, after a federal indictment accused her of taking more than $4.6 million from a family under the guise of advance fees for their daughter’s modeling placements. Prosecutors have unsealed charges alleging seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering tied to what they describe as a long-running scheme built on fake paperwork and impersonation.
The case, which investigators say involved fabricated placement documents and false identities, has rattled local families who thought they were investing in a child’s big break.
What The Indictment Alleges
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan, Coyne allegedly collected more than $4.6 million by telling a family the money was needed up front for modeling events around the country. The indictment alleges she generated false records, impersonated a third party, and misappropriated the funds for her own benefit rather than paying legitimate modeling expenses…