A Michigan photographer, Chanise Coyne, 46, has been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding a family out of $4.6 million in a child modeling scheme. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., announced the sentencing on Tuesday. Coyne pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May, admitting to collecting funds from a family under the pretense of using them for advance fees for their daughter's modeling participation in various events across the country.
Coyne created false documentation, including text messages, emails, and invoices, as part of her fraudulent activities. Prosecutors stated that instead of using the money for the intended purpose, she spent significant amounts on gambling and over $200,000 on Taylor Swift concert tickets in Florida.
Gorgon remarked, "Coyne used a child’s aspirations as a smokescreen for a multimillion-dollar fraud against a family. And when you prey on families, you will pay for it." In addition to her prison sentence, Coyne has been ordered to pay $4.6 million in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release following her incarceration.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, "This was not a mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment. This was a calculated, multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that preyed on a family’s trust and a child’s aspirations for personal financial gain." Runyan added that the FBI will continue to pursue individuals who commit fraud against families in Michigan.
Coyne's fraudulent activities reportedly date back to at least 2024, when she took money for a Kris Kringle photoshoot but later canceled, claiming the Santa Claus had Monkeypox. A local news outlet, FOX 2, reported that the Santa Claus provided evidence of Coyne's claims about her illness. After media involvement, Coyne returned the money to the family but did not clarify the situation.
Coyne's photography business has received mixed reviews, with several clients alleging that she frequently canceled shoots and refused refunds. A Facebook user shared experiences of purchasing photo packages and being unable to use credits for rescheduled sessions. Additionally, a private Facebook group named "Chanise Coyne Scam Victims" was created in November 2024, featuring discussions about her alleged fraudulent behavior.