New Boston Woman Pleads Guilty in $4.6 Million Child Modeling Fraud Scheme Targeting Michigan Family

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A New Boston, Michigan woman has pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting to orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that exploited a family through false claims involving child modeling opportunities and fabricated entertainment industry expenses.

Federal prosecutors identified the defendant as Chanise Coyne, 46, who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud connected to a scheme that authorities say defrauded a local family out of more than $4.6 million.

United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced the guilty plea alongside FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan.

According to federal authorities, Coyne admitted that she falsely represented to the family that large sums of money were needed to secure modeling placements, event access, travel arrangements, and advance fees connected to the family’s young daughter supposedly participating in modeling events across the United States.

Court records state the claimed modeling opportunities and associated industry expenses were fraudulent.

Federal prosecutors stated Coyne generated fabricated records to support the scheme, including fake text messages, fraudulent emails, fabricated invoices, and other falsified communications designed to convince the family that legitimate modeling arrangements and event opportunities existed for the child.

According to investigators, the funds obtained during the scheme were never used to place the child into any legitimate modeling event, entertainment opportunity, or professional engagement.

Instead, federal authorities stated substantial portions of the fraud proceeds were diverted for Coyne’s personal benefit, including significant gambling activity.

The case highlights continuing concerns surrounding fraudulent schemes exploiting the entertainment, talent management, social media, and child modeling industries through fabricated opportunities, fake contracts, false casting claims, and manipulated communications designed to target families seeking advancement opportunities for children.

Federal investigators have repeatedly warned that fraud operations involving child talent recruitment and entertainment placement schemes often rely heavily on emotional manipulation, fabricated industry connections, fake booking documents, staged communications, and pressure tactics intended to create urgency and trust with victims.

United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. stated the scheme exploited both financial trust and the aspirations of a child and family.

“Coyne exploited a child’s dreams and ripped off a local family with her fake claims,” Gorgon stated. “But she will face real consequences.”

FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan stated the guilty plea reflected a deliberate and calculated fraud operation targeting a Michigan family through deception and fabricated records.

“The defendant’s guilty plea is an acknowledgment that she deliberately calculated and executed a multi-million-dollar scheme that violated a family’s trust, and she will face the full measure of accountability for her actions,” Runyan stated.

Runyan additionally stated the FBI Detroit Field Office continues prioritizing investigations involving large-scale financial fraud operations targeting individuals and families through manipulation, deception, and fabricated business opportunities.

Federal prosecutors stated Coyne faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Sentencing is currently scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026, before United States District Judge David M. Lawson.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind is prosecuting the criminal case, while related forfeiture matters are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Fasbinder.

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