A high-ranking official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been charged with allegedly defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and making false statements to federal investigators, according to an announcement by FBI Director Kash Patel.

In a statement posted on social media Wednesday morning, Patel confirmed that a director-level CBP employee had been charged as part of the FBI’s renewed focus on public corruption investigations.

TODAY: Following efforts with our interagency partners, I can report that a career Director level employee at US Customs and Border Protection has been charged with allegedly attempting to defraud FEMA, as well as lying to federal agents.

This is part of the new FBI’s renewed…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 12, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News 'Terrifying'

“This is part of the new FBI’s renewed efforts to crack down on public corruption and deliver accountability for the American people,” Patel wrote.

He thanked the Justice Department, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the FBI’s Detroit Field Office for their work on the case. “Justice will be done,” Patel added.

American Made Patriotic Apparel - Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Serina Baker-Hill, 55, of Detroit, was charged in a federal criminal complaint unsealed Wednesday.

Serina Baker-Hill, Assistant Director of CBP’s Automotive and Aerospace Center.

She reportedly scammed FEMA of aid that real victims needed.

Lock her up! pic.twitter.com/Qg6TjPCkrf

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) March 12, 2025

Baker-Hill served as the Director of CBP’s Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering, a leadership role overseeing trade enforcement and compliance operations.

The charges stem from an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain FEMA disaster assistance following severe flooding in the Detroit area in August 2023.

Michigan’s request for federal disaster relief was approved, enabling residents impacted by the flooding to apply for financial aid.

Federal prosecutors allege that Baker-Hill applied for FEMA aid, claiming her home was unlivable due to flood damage.

Based on her statements, a FEMA inspector confirmed the damage and approved financial assistance for home repairs and two months of rental assistance.

However, investigators say Baker-Hill never used the FEMA money for rent or utilities, despite stating that she had moved into temporary housing.

BREAKING: Kash Patel’s FBI has charged a “high ranking” career CBP official with attempting to defraud FEMA.

Nothing that happened to this country happened without people in power who let it happen. We’re not letting them get away with it anymore. pic.twitter.com/KItqG9tTyJ

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 12, 2025

Bank records reviewed by federal authorities reportedly show no rental payments, hotel stays, or essential utility expenses made using the FEMA funds.

Additionally, video surveillance from her home allegedly shows that Baker-Hill and her husband continued living at the property after receiving FEMA assistance.

Investigators also reviewed utility records, which did not show any significant drop in usage, contradicting her claim that the home was unoccupied.

When questioned by FBI and CBP investigators, Baker-Hill denied any fraudulent activity, stating that she had never engaged in illegal activity or defrauded the government.

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck emphasized that Baker-Hill has been charged via a criminal complaint, meaning the case is still under investigation.

Under federal law, felony charges cannot proceed to trial based solely on a complaint—prosecutors must decide whether to seek a formal indictment.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Detroit Border Corruption Task Force and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), with additional assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown is leading the prosecution.

This case comes as the FBI, under Patel’s leadership, has expanded its focus on rooting out corruption within federal agencies.

If convicted, Baker-Hill could face significant fines and prison time for defrauding a federal agency and making false statements to investigators.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.