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.
Prosecutors say the money did not go to high-end photo shoots or runway shows, but to Coyne’s personal use, including what the release describes as significant gambling. Investigators also allege that some of the proceeds were laundered through the online sports-betting platform FanDuel.
Earlier Complaints Surfaced Locally
Long before the indictment dropped, local families had started sounding alarms. In November 2024, FOX 2 Detroit reported that Coyne abruptly canceled a paid Santa photo shoot, blaming an mpox rumor, then later refunded the family. The incident left customers unhappy and suspicious.
That same report pointed to a private Facebook group called “Chanise Coyne Scam Victims,” where users traded stories of missed shoots and refunds, suggesting a pattern of similar complaints. Federal agents, according to prosecutors, reviewed those earlier accusations as part of the broader investigation that ultimately led to the indictment.
Investigators And Prosecutors
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon did not mince words in the government’s announcement, saying in the release, “Fraud schemes that prey on the emotional bonds of families are egregious.” FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan added that the bureau will pursue anyone who exploits Michigan families, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. Prosecutors emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation and not evidence of guilt, and authorities say the investigation remains active as they prepare their next court filings.
What Victims Can Do
Anyone who believes they were targeted in a similar way is urged to contact investigators. The FBI Detroit Field Office accepts tips at (313) 965-2323 or through tips.fbi.gov, and federal prosecutors have posted case details in their public announcement.
Officials advise local families who paid any advance fees to preserve contracts, receipts, bank records and messages so investigators can trace transactions. The U.S. Attorney's Office says it will continue working with the FBI to bring clarity to affected families and pursue any additional leads that emerge.
