AceShowbiz - Chanise Coyne is accused of defrauding a family of over $4.6 million by falsely promising to place their daughter in child modeling events, according to federal prosecutors.

The indictment charges Coyne, 46, with seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. Prosecutors say the Michigan woman convinced the family to pay millions under the pretense of covering costs related to modeling appearances.

Coyne allegedly fabricated documents to make it appear as though she was coordinating modeling jobs across the United States. She also impersonated a third party to strengthen the illusion of legitimacy, prosecutors said.

Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, Coyne reportedly gambled much of the money away. The indictment specifically notes payments made to the online gambling platform FanDuel, including five separate $20,000 transactions from her debit card in March 2024.

The scheme allegedly began as early as April 2023 and continued through April 2025. The indictment states that the purpose was to obtain money and enrich herself by making materially false and fraudulent statements to the family about her work placing their daughter in modeling events.

Despite the payments, prosecutors confirm that the family's daughter did not participate in any modeling events as a result of Coyne's efforts. Wire transfers detailed in the indictment include a notably large $160,000 transfer sent to Coyne in March 2024.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Coyne was arrested by FBI agents on February 26 in New Boston, Michigan, in connection with the fraud. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on the same day.

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon condemned the alleged actions, stating the defendant exploited a family's love for their child, stole their savings, and wasted the funds on gambling.

Coyne is represented by attorney John D. Dakmak, who has not responded to requests for comment.

The FBI’s Detroit Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge, Jennifer Runyan, issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and warning others who might try to defraud Michigan families. She pledged that the FBI will investigate and make arrests as necessary.

Following her arrest, Coyne was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

This case highlights the dangers of fraudulent schemes targeting families’ financial resources under the guise of child modeling opportunities. Prosecutors continue to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud and the misuse of funds.

Authorities also noted that Coyne’s fraudulent activity involved impersonation and falsified records to convince the family of legitimate business dealings, further deepening the deception.

The indictment lists numerous wire transfers made by the victim’s family to Coyne, reinforcing the scale of the financial loss and the sustained nature of the scheme.

In related news, other high-profile fraud cases have surfaced, such as wellness influencer Bobbi Vargas, who was charged with stealing more than $2.3 million from entrepreneurs Grant and Elena Cardone, illustrating a broader pattern of confidence scams targeting families and businesses.

Federal authorities urge vigilance and caution when dealing with offers that involve large sums of money and promises of lucrative opportunities, especially when related to children’s careers.

The investigation into Coyne’s case remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for further legal proceedings.

As this story develops, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying credentials and demands transparency in financial dealings involving minors and their futures.

Federal prosecutors are committed to ensuring justice for the affected family and preventing similar scams from victimizing others in the community.

For now, Coyne faces serious charges that could result in significant penalties if convicted, reflecting the gravity of the alleged exploitation and financial misconduct.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Us Weekly.