Photographer Sentenced to 5 Years for $4.6M Child Modeling Scam, Spent Funds on Gambling and Taylor Swift Tickets

A Michigan photographer has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for defrauding a family out of $4.6 million through a child modeling scheme. Chanise Coyne, 46, was also ordered to pay $4.6 million in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release.

Coyne pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May, admitting she received over $4.6 million from a local family. She had claimed the funds were for advance fees for their young daughter's participation in national modeling events. However, prosecutors stated that Coyne fabricated records, including text messages, emails, and invoices, to perpetuate the fraud.

Instead of using the money for the child's modeling career, Coyne spent significant portions on her gambling habit and purchased over $200,000 in Taylor Swift tickets in Florida, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

"Coyne used a child’s aspirations as a smokescreen for a multimillion‑dollar fraud against a family. And when you prey on families, you will pay for it," stated U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. in a news release.

Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized the calculated nature of the fraud. "This was not a mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment. This was a calculated, multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that preyed on a family’s trust and a child’s aspirations for personal financial gain," Runyan said. "Those who build their lifestyle on lies, deception, and stolen money should expect serious consequences."

The scheme reportedly dates back to at least 2024. In one instance, Coyne allegedly cancelled a Kris Kringle photoshoot, claiming the Santa Claus actor had Monkeypox, and only returned the money after local media investigated the claim. Online reviews and social media groups also suggest a pattern of cancellations and unfulfilled refunds for photography services prior to the federal charges.

One social media user noted Coyne had previously posted about attending a Taylor Swift concert in Miami with approximately 20 people, a luxury that prosecutors linked to her fraudulent activities.