Detroit Judge and Associates Charged in Embezzlement Scheme

A federal indictment has charged Michigan's 36th District Court Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin, along with three associates, with embezzling approximately $273,000 from vulnerable individuals under state guardianship. The accused include Avery Bradley, 72, an attorney and Bradley-Baskin's father; Nancy Williams, 59, owner of Guardian and Associates; and Dwight Rashad, 69, who operated group homes for the elderly. The scheme allegedly involved diverting funds intended for incapacitated wards to personal expenses, including luxury items and investments.

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The indictment outlines a conspiracy where the defendants misappropriated funds from the estates of incapacitated individuals, many of whom were unable to care for themselves. Judge Bradley-Baskin is specifically accused of using $70,000 from a ward's funds to purchase an ownership stake in a local bar and leasing a new Ford Expedition. Additionally, the group is alleged to have taken $203,000 from a ward's legal settlement without benefiting the ward in any way. Williams is also accused of paying Rashad for wards who did not reside in his facilities.

Judge, 3 others accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands from incapacitated people

• Andrea Bradley-Baskin: 46, a sitting judge at the 36th District Court, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of money laundering, and making a false statement to federal agents.

Judge accused of embezzling nearly $300K from vulnerable people to fund bar, car lease

• Avery Bradley: 72, an attorney and Bradley-Baskin's father, charged with one count of wire fraud and multiple counts of money laundering.

Judge, 3 others accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands from incapacitated people

• Nancy Williams: 59, owner of Guardian and Associates, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Judge accused of embezzling nearly $300K from vulnerable people to fund bar, car lease

• Dwight Rashad: 69, operator of group homes, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Judge accused of embezzling nearly $300K from vulnerable people to fund bar, car lease

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. stated, “We respect the authority that covers a black robe. This state judge and her cronies allegedly abused that high honor for personal gain by preying on the needy protected by the court.” FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan emphasized that “no one is above the law,” highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against the defendants.

Detroit judge, 3 others, accused of embezzling $273K from vulnerable adults

Legal experts and community members have expressed outrage over the alleged actions of the defendants, particularly given their positions of trust. Attorney Mike Morse remarked on the systemic issues within the conservatorship process, suggesting that such schemes may be more common than reported. Former U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider noted the difficulty in recovering the embezzled funds, as much of it has already been spent.

Detroit judge charged by Feds in corruption crackdown

While the total amount embezzled is reported as approximately $273,000, some sources indicate figures as high as $300,000. The exact mechanisms of how the defendants operated their scheme remain unclear, with no detailed explanation provided in the indictment.

Judge accused of embezzling nearly $300K from vulnerable people to fund bar, car lease

All four defendants were arraigned in federal court and pleaded not guilty. They were released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. The case is expected to proceed through the federal court system, with further investigations into the broader implications of the alleged misconduct within the guardianship system.

Judge accused of embezzling nearly $300K from vulnerable people to fund bar, car lease