Two Detroit residents have been charged in separate cases for allegedly orchestrating large-scale fraud schemes involving federal student aid, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon.
Brandon Robinson, 41, is accused of leading a scheme from January 2015 to February 2024 that involved submitting fraudulent Federal Student Aid (FSA) claims using the identities of over 1,200 individuals. The complaint alleges these individuals, referred to as “straw students,” were enrolled primarily to receive FSA benefits. Robinson’s activities reportedly spanned more than 100 schools across 24 states and resulted in over $16 million in awarded FSA benefits, with more than $10 million actually disbursed. In addition to the FSA scheme, Robinson is alleged to have filed over 100 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims between April 2020 and March 2023, resulting in the disbursement of more than $1 million in unemployment benefits.
Michelle Hill, 48, faces charges related to a separate wire fraud scheme that took place between July 2015 and July 2025. According to the complaint, Hill obtained fraudulent FSA benefits on behalf of more than 80 individuals—many of whom were enrolled at Wayne County Community College. The complaint further alleges that many participants pursued similar degree programs and online courses and that Hill herself often completed coursework for them. This was done to make it appear as though the students were making academic progress and thus prolonging their eligibility for aid. As a result of this scheme, it is alleged that more than $3 million in FSA benefits were awarded, with over $2.5 million disbursed.
Both defendants have made initial appearances in federal court following their arrests.
“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,” according to the statement.
The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys John K. Neal and Ryan A. Particka. The investigation into Robinson’s case involves agents from the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and assistance from FBI Detroit – Macomb County Resident Agency. Hill’s case is being investigated by DOE-OIG agents.
