Judge Facing Allegations of Exploiting Vulnerable Citizens for Embezzlement

Detroit Judge Among Suspects in Embezzlement Case

A judge in Detroit, Michigan, has been implicated in a scheme targeting vulnerable individuals.

Judge Andrea Bradley Baskin, 46, serving in Michigan’s 36th District Court, is one of the accused, as reported by a local outlet on Friday.

Alongside her, Nancy Williams, 59, and Avery Bradley, 72, who is the judge’s father, as well as Dwight Rashad, 69, are also involved.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan issued a press release Friday, outlining that all four are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“The indictment includes one wire fraud count against Bradley and multiple money laundering counts for Bradley Baskin, Bradley, and Rashad,” the announcement stated. “Additionally, Bradley Baskin is charged with making false statements to a federal officer.”

The report elaborated that probate courts often appoint guardians to manage affairs of adults deemed unable to do so themselves. Nancy Williams owns Guardian and Associates, a firm designated by the Wayne County Probate Court, overseeing over 1,000 such cases.

The accused are alleged to have colluded to misappropriate funds, ultimately benefiting themselves.

In one instance, it’s claimed that Bradley Baskin used $70,000 from a ward’s account to buy into a local bar. There are further allegations of her using embezzled funds to cover a two-year lease for a new Ford Expedition.

Attorney Mike Morse, who is not directly involved in the case, commented, “If these allegations hold true, it’s quite serious. They seem to be working together to misuse funds for personal ends. It’s alarming, really.”

Morse also expressed a belief that such misuse is often overlooked, as very few seem to scrutinize the money involved. “Such incidents are probably more common than we realize,” he added.

Reportedly, Bradley Baskin is set to become a judge in 2024.

Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, remarked on the situation: “No one is above the law, regardless of their societal position. These four individuals are accused of stealing from our most vulnerable citizens, abusing their authority for personal gain. We are committed to finding those who prey on the defenseless and ensuring they face justice.”