Great Lakes Wire

Two Detroit residents have been charged in separate cases for their alleged involvement in large-scale fraud schemes targeting Federal Student Aid, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon.

Gorgon made the announcement alongside John Woolley, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), and Megan Howell, Special Agent in Charge for the Great Lakes Region at the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).

Brandon Robinson, 41, is accused of orchestrating a multi-year scheme that involved submitting fraudulent Federal Student Aid (FSA) claims using the identities of more than 1,200 individuals. The complaint alleges that between January 2015 and February 2024, Robinson targeted over 100 schools across 24 states. Authorities say this resulted in more than $16 million being awarded through fraudulent FSA claims, with over $10 million actually disbursed. In addition to student aid fraud, Robinson is also accused of filing over 100 false unemployment insurance claims between April 2020 and March 2023, leading to more than $1 million being paid out.

Michelle Hill, 48, faces charges related to a separate FSA fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege that from July 2015 through July 2025, Hill obtained fraudulent FSA benefits involving over 80 individuals—many enrolled at Wayne County Community College—and often completed coursework on behalf of these students to maintain eligibility for aid. The complaint states that this scheme led to more than $3 million in FSA awards and disbursement of over $2.5 million.

“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,” said officials.

Assistant United States Attorneys John K. Neal and Ryan A. Particka are prosecuting both cases. The investigation into Robinson’s actions was conducted jointly by agents from DOE-OIG and DOL-OIG with assistance from the FBI’s Detroit – Macomb County Resident Agency; Hill’s case was investigated by DOE-OIG agents.