Summary
- Chanise Coyne was sentenced to five years in prison over a fraud exceeding $4.6 million.
- More than $200,000 was spent on Taylor Swift tickets.
Chanise Coyne, 46, described by PetaPixel and FOX 2 Detroit as a photographer from New Boston, Michigan, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for defrauding a family out of more than $4.6 million.
The sentence was announced on September 22, 2026, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Coyne had pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud, admitting that she obtained the money by falsely claiming it would be used for advance fees connected to the family’s young daughter taking part in modelling events across the United States.
How the fraud worked
According to federal prosecutors, Coyne created fake text messages, emails and invoices that made the supposed placements of the girl in modelling events appear genuine. In reality, the money was not used for those events and the child was not placed in a single one of the promised modelling opportunities.
The criminal case began in February 2026, when Coyne was arrested and initially charged with seven counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. In May, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
More than $200,000 spent on Taylor Swift tickets
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says significant sums of the fraud proceeds were used for gambling. While carrying out the scheme, Coyne also spent more than $200,000 on Taylor Swift concert tickets in Florida.
PetaPixel also reports, citing available court records and related reporting, that some of the money was used for Stanley Cup Final tickets and cruises.
Five years in prison and $4.67 million restitution
The federal court sentenced Coyne to five years in prison. She was also ordered to pay $4,669,962.76 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release after completing her custodial sentence.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
What we think
This case goes far beyond an ordinary professional dispute or delayed delivery: it is a federal multimillion-dollar fraud case that ended with a guilty plea and a substantial prison sentence. For the photography and modelling sectors, it is also an extreme reminder of the importance of verifiable agreements, genuine documentation and checking career opportunities presented through supposed professional contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Chanise Coyne?
Chanise Coyne is a 46-year-old resident of New Boston, Michigan. PetaPixel and FOX 2 Detroit describe her as a photographer.
What charge did she plead guilty to?
She pleaded guilty to one federal count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme involving supposed child modelling events.
How much money did she obtain from the family?
Federal prosecutors say the amount exceeded $4.6 million, while the court ordered $4,669,962.76 in restitution.
Why are Taylor Swift tickets part of the case?
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Coyne spent more than $200,000 on Taylor Swift concert tickets in Florida while carrying out the fraud.
What was the final sentence?
She was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,669,962.76 in restitution.
