Great Lakes Wire

Two Detroit residents have been charged in separate federal complaints for their alleged involvement in fraud schemes related to Federal Student Aid (FSA), according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon. The announcement was made alongside Special Agent in Charge John Woolley of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and Special Agent in Charge Megan Howell from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Brandon Robinson, 41, faces charges of wire fraud connected to fraudulent FSA claims submitted under other individuals’ names. He was arrested and appeared in federal court on the same day. According to the complaint, Robinson led a scheme over several years using “straw students” who enrolled mainly to receive FSA benefits. The allegations state that between January 2015 and February 2024, Robinson submitted fraudulent FSA claims for more than 1,200 people across over 100 schools in 24 states. The complaint claims that this resulted in more than $16 million in awarded FSA benefits, with over $10 million disbursed. It also alleges that Robinson filed more than 100 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims between April 2020 and March 2023, resulting in the disbursement of over $1 million.

Michelle Hill, 48, is charged with wire fraud related to a separate FSA scheme. She was arrested and made her initial court appearance recently. The complaint against Hill alleges that from July 2015 through July 2025, she devised a plan involving more than 80 individuals—mainly at Wayne County Community College—to obtain fraudulent FSA benefits. Many participants were reportedly enrolled in similar degree programs and online courses. It is further alleged that Hill completed coursework on behalf of these students to create the appearance they were making academic progress and extending their eligibility for aid. According to the complaint, her actions led to more than $3 million in awarded FSA benefits, with over $2.5 million actually disbursed.

“A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigations are completed, determinations will be made whether to seek felony indictments,” stated officials.

Assistant United States Attorneys John K. Neal and Ryan A. Particka are prosecuting both cases. The investigation into Robinson involves agents from the Department of Education Office of Inspector General and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation into Hill is being conducted by agents from the Department of Education Office of Inspector General.