Story perspectives

Michigan Judge and Associates Charged in $273K Embezzlement Scandal

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal indictment charges Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin of Michigan's 36th District Court and three others with embezzling $273,000 from vulnerable individuals.
The defendants are Nancy Williams, Avery Bradley, and Dwight Rashad.
Bradley-Baskin allegedly used $70,000 from a ward's funds to buy a stake in a bar and to lease a Ford Expedition.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon condemned the actions as a severe breach of public trust.
The investigation remains ongoing.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's 2014 corruption conviction, clarifying the definition of "official act" in public corruption cases. This ruling followed McDonnell's indictment in 2014 for accepting over $135,000 in gifts from a businessman. Such cases underscore ongoing challenges in public integrity, prompting calls for enhanced oversight and accountability in government.

1 of 2

Story summary

A federal indictment charges Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin of Michigan's 36th District Court and three others with embezzling $273,000 from vulnerable individuals.
The defendants are Nancy Williams, Avery Bradley, and Dwight Rashad.
Bradley-Baskin allegedly used $70,000 from a ward's funds to buy a stake in a bar and to lease a Ford Expedition.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon condemned the actions as a severe breach of public trust.
The investigation remains ongoing.

1 / 2