Detroit Judge Indicted for Fraudulent Scheme
A judge from Detroit, noted for her progressive stance, has been indicted on federal charges related to a scheme that involved stealing funds from vulnerable individuals.
Judge Andrea Bradley Baskin, 46, who serves at Detroit’s 36th District Court, faces serious allegations including wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and providing false information to federal investigators. This indictment was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
In this situation, it’s claimed that Baskin coordinated with her 72-year-old father, also an attorney, and two others, to exploit a “ward” identified by probate court as needing a guardian. They allegedly conspired to systematically embezzle funds belonging to the district and its assets.
For instance, Baskin is accused of misappropriating $70,000 from a district fund to invest in local bars. In addition, prosecutors allege she also used money from the ward’s estate to finance a new Ford Expedition SUV.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. expressed that, “This state judge and his associates purportedly took advantage of people needing protection and betrayed public trust.” He emphasized that no one is above the law.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s Detroit office, echoed this sentiment, noting that those involved allegedly stole from some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, using their legal positions for personal gain.
Bradley Baskin was elected to the 36th District Court in 2024 and was still listed as a judge as of Tuesday morning. Although she’s technically an independent, she has received backing from Democratic-leaning groups, with some characterizing her as having “progressive values.” The Detroit Bar Association has given her an “excellent” rating, reinforcing her prior standing.
Attempts to reach Baskin through the court failed to get a response, and the Bar Association also did not reply to requests for comment.
In related news, former Michigan Democratic Party treasurer Tracy Kornak, an ally of Attorney General Dana Nessel, was recently indicted for allegedly stealing significant amounts from an elderly woman who had suffered a brain injury.
