Two Detroit residents have been charged in separate cases involving federal student aid fraud schemes, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon. The charges stem from criminal complaints that allege both individuals were involved in large-scale efforts to defraud the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program.
Brandon Robinson, 41, of Detroit, faces charges of wire fraud for allegedly leading a scheme that used “straw students” to submit false FSA claims. Authorities say Robinson’s activities spanned from January 2015 through February 2024 and involved more than 1,200 individuals across over 100 schools in 24 states. According to the complaint, his actions resulted in more than $16 million in fraudulent FSA benefits being awarded and over $10 million actually disbursed. In addition to the student aid fraud allegations, Robinson is also accused of filing more than 100 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims between April 2020 and March 2023, which led to over $1 million in benefits being paid out.
Michelle Hill, 48, also of Detroit, has been charged with wire fraud related to a separate FSA scheme. Prosecutors allege that between July 2015 and July 2025 she orchestrated a plan involving more than 80 individuals—most of whom were enrolled at Wayne County Community College—to obtain fraudulent FSA benefits. The complaint states that many participants took similar online courses and degree programs and alleges Hill completed coursework on their behalf to maintain their eligibility for financial aid. This scheme reportedly resulted in more than $3 million awarded in FSA benefits with over $2.5 million 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 the release.
Assistant United States Attorneys John K. Neal and Ryan A. Particka are prosecuting these cases. The investigation into Robinson’s activities involves agents from the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), as well as assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The investigation into Hill’s alleged conduct is being handled by agents from DOE-OIG.
