Detroit judge, 3 others charged in alleged scheme to steal thousands from vulnerable and incapacitated people

Andrea Bradley-Baskin is a district judge on Michigan’s 36th District Court

By Greg Norman-Diamond 

A Detroit judge and three other residents were charged by federal prosecutors for their alleged roles in a "years-long scheme" to embezzle money from incapacitated and vulnerable individuals. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said Andrea Bradley-Baskin, 46, who is a district judge on Michigan’s 36th District Court, is alleged "to have used $70,000 in a ward’s funds to purchase an ownership stake in a local bar" and "money embezzled from the estate of a ward to pay a two-year lease on a new Ford Expedition for herself." 

"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," U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. "This would be a grievous abuse of our public trust." 

"Regardless of a person’s position in society, no one is above the law. These four defendants allegedly conspired to steal from some of our most vulnerable citizens — looting bank accounts, exploiting legal authority, and profiting off those who relied on them for care and protection," added Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

The Attorney’s Office said Nancy Williams, 59, Avery Bradley, 72, Dwight Rashad, 69, and Bradley-Baskin, all Detroit residents, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.   

"The indictment also charges Bradley with one count of wire fraud, Bradley, Bradley-Baskin, and Rashad with several counts of money laundering, and Bradley-Baskin with a single count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement agent," it added. 

Lawyers representing Bradley-Baskin did not immediately respond Saturday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The Attorney’s Office, citing the indictment, said "probate courts regularly appoint guardians and conservators to manage the personal and financial affairs of adults, known as wards, who have been found by the court to lack the capacity to do so themselves."

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin "and her cronies allegedly abused" her "high honor for personal gain by preying on the needy protected by the court." (Brian A. Jackson/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

"The indictment alleges that Nancy Williams owned Guardian and Associates, an agency that was appointed as a fiduciary by the Wayne County Probate Court for incapacitated wards in over 1,000 cases. Avery Bradley is an attorney, who, along with his daughter (and fellow attorney) Andrea Bradley-Baskin, operated a law firm that often represented Guardian and Associates in Wayne County Probate Court and otherwise practiced regularly in that court," it continued. "Dwight Rashad operated a series of group homes and residential facilities for elderly individuals, including wards, who needed support and care." 

"The indictment alleges that the four defendants conspired to systematically embezzle funds from wards, and to obtain and retain money for themselves that rightly belonged to the wards and the wards’ estates," it also said.  

Prosecutors described how in one case, Bradley, Williams, and Rashad allegedly took around $203,000 in funds from a ward’s legal settlement, with "none of the money being used to benefit the ward."

"Williams is alleged to have paid Rashad rent for wards who did not live in one of Rashad’s homes," they said.  

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.  

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Detroit judge, 3 others charged in alleged scheme to steal thousands from vulnerable and incapacitated people 

Press Release: Sitting Judge and Three Others Charged with Scheme to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Vulnerable and Incapacitated Wards

Friday, January 30, 2026 

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan

DETROIT - Four Detroit-area residents, including a sitting judge and a local attorney, were charged for their roles in a years-long scheme to embezzle money from incapacitated individuals, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced today.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit Field Office, and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Detroit Field Office.

Nancy Williams, 59, Avery Bradley, 72, Andrea Bradley-Baskin, 46, and Dwight Rashad, 69, all Detroit residents, were charged via indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The indictment also charges Bradley with one count of wire fraud, Bradley, Bradley-Baskin, and Rashad with several counts of money laundering, and Bradley-Baskin with a single count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement agent.

According to the indictment, probate courts regularly appoint guardians and conservators to manage the personal and financial affairs of adults, known as wards, who have been found by the court to lack the capacity to do so themselves. Guardians and conservators are fiduciaries who are obligated to act in the best interests of their wards. The indictment alleges that Nancy Williams owned Guardian and Associates, an agency that was appointed as a fiduciary by the Wayne County Probate Court for incapacitated wards in over 1,000 cases. Avery Bradley is an attorney, who, along with his daughter (and fellow attorney) Andrea Bradley-Baskin, operated a law firm that often represented Guardian and Associates in Wayne County Probate Court and otherwise practiced regularly in that court. Bradley-Baskin is currently a district judge on Michigan’s 36^th District Court. Dwight Rashad operated a series of group homes and residential facilities for elderly individuals, including wards, who needed support and care.

The indictment alleges that the four defendants conspired to systematically embezzle funds from wards, and to obtain and retain money for themselves that rightly belonged to the wards and the wards’estates. The indictment sets forth numerous examples of the co-conspirators working together to misappropriate money belonging to wards. In one instance, Bradley-Baskin is alleged to have used $70,000 in a ward’s funds to purchase an ownership stake in a local bar.  In another, Bradley, Williams, and Rashad are alleged to have taken for themselves some $203,000 in funds from a ward’s legal settlement, with none of the money being used to benefit the ward. Williams is alleged to have paid Rashad rent for wards who did not live in one of Rashad’s homes.  Bradley-Baskin, in yet another case, is alleged to have used money embezzled from the estate of a ward to pay a two-year lease on a new Ford Expedition for herself.

“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. This would be a grievous abuse of our public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

“Regardless of a person’s position in society, no one is above the law. These four defendants allegedly conspired to steal from some of our most vulnerable citizens — looting bank accounts, exploiting legal authority, and profiting off those who relied on them for care and protection," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "Let me be clear: if you prey on the vulnerable, we will find you and bring you to justice. Finally, I want to recognize our FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, alongside our partners at the IRS Criminal Investigations Detroit Field Office, for their dedicated work on behalf of these victims, as well as the Wayne County Probate Court for bringing this matter to our attention and assisting the investigation."

“No matter who you are, or what your position is, it is entirely unacceptable to help yourself to money that is not yours. What makes these allegations so disturbing is that the victims are part of very vulnerable population and trusted the accused to act in their best interest,” said Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the financial well-being of the vulnerable and root out those who threaten their security.”

If you have information concerning a ward of Guardian & Associates or Tri-State Guardian Services, please visit the FBI website at

— Seeking Information Concerning Wards of Guardian & Associates and Tri-State Guardian Services

 An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert A. Moran and John Neal.

Updated January 30, 2026

Source:

Press Release:  Sitting Judge and Three Others Charged with Scheme to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Vulnerable and Incapacitated Wards

 

Detroit judge, 3 others charged in federal guardianship case

A 36th District Court judge is among four people facing federal charges in connection with what officials call "a years-long scheme to embezzle money from incapacitated individuals." 

Source:
Detroit judge, 3 others charged in federal guardianship case 

Man found guilty of murdering elderly roommate in east Bakersfield

by BakersfieldNow Staff

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man faces up to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of killing an elderly man back in June 2025 in east Bakersfield.

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on January 28, 2026, a Kern County jury found Jason Aguilar Garibay guilty of first-degree murder, elder abuse, and great bodily injury on someone over 70.

The DA’s office said in the early morning hours of June 2, 2025, Garibay confronted another tenant of the room and board facility where they were both living. According to Bakersfield police, it happened in the 400 block of South Williams Street.

Garibay got control of the victim, 74-year-old Domingo Trevino, kicking and stomping his head more than 20 times while on the ground, according to the DA’s office. Garibay stopped his assault briefly to get a third tenant to see his behavior.

After returning to the scene, Garibay continued stomping on Trevino. Eventually, Garibay ceased his attack and went to his room upstairs. Trevino was pronounced dead on scene.

The DA’s office said he suffered massive trauma to his head and neck as a result of kicking and stomping. In a release, it said, “The scene was covered in blood and the stairs upon which Mr. Trevino was killed, were broken by the force caused by Garibay. “

Garibay was taken out of the apartment when law enforcement arrived. During an interview with law enforcement, Garibay admitted to the crime and stated that he intended to kill Trevino, according to the DA’s office. The DA’s office said Garibay also stated that it was his choice to kill Trevino and that he was proud of what he did. 

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented, “Elders in our community are particularly vulnerable and therefore more prone to being targeted by abusers. This act was among the most serious cases of elder abuse our community has witnessed, resulting in a devastating outcome. Our office is committed to pursuing justice through sentencing and ensuring that Garibay pays for the life he took.”

Garibay’s sentencing is set for February 27, 2026, where he faces up to 25 years to life in prison. 

Full Article & Source:
Man found guilty of murdering elderly roommate in east Bakersfield 

Grandson arrested in killing of elderly Westminster couple

by Terry Benjamin II

Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old Westminster man in connection with the deaths of an elderly couple found slain in their Oconee County home.

According to a release from the Oconee County Sheriff's Office's Corporal Jimmy Watt, deputies arrested Levi Kevin Jones, 19, of Westminster on Jan. 23. Jones was charged with two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in the deaths of Larry and Sandra Moore.

Watt said Jones is the Moore couple's grandson.

On Jan. 15, a Westminster couple, 76-year-old Larry and his wife, 75-year-old Sandra, were discovered by a family member at their Cromer Moore Road home. According to Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis, Sandra died by strangulation, and Larry was discovered with stab wounds.

Calvary Church in Westminster posted on social media that the elderly couple were members of the church.

"Calvary Family, it is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of two of our longtime and most faithful members, Brother Larry and Sister Sandra Moore," the Church said via social media. "Please join us in lifting the entire Moore family - and all who loved them - in your prayers during this difficult time."

According to the report, Jones committed the crime on Jan. 13.

Jones will be held at the Oconee County jail after his bond was denied on Jan 24 by a circuit court judge. 

Full Article & Source:
Grandson arrested in killing of elderly Westminster couple 

He said her daughter had been in a car crash. It was a scam.

 by Emilie Raguso

The stranger told the 91-year-old woman "not to tell anyone else about their phone call" — a red flag, Berkeley police said.

A man makes a phone call (stock photo). Marília Castelli / Unsplash

Police are investigating a scammer who targeted an elderly Berkeley woman last month by claiming her daughter needed money to get out of jail.

The case began in December when the 91-year-old woman got a call from a stranger who said her daughter was in jail after hurting someone in a car wreck.

In the background, the woman "could hear someone … pretending to be her daughter," Berkeley police wrote in court papers.

The man said the younger woman needed $15,000 in bail money to be released.

He told the older woman "not to tell anyone else about their phone call" — a red flag — police said.

The woman tried to call her daughter to confirm the story, but the call would not go through.

"She became concerned and decided to get the money out from her bank," police wrote.

When she went to her bank on Solano Avenue, the teller would only let her withdraw $5,000.

She took the money home and waited for instructions, and was ultimately told to give the cash to a man who would come to her house.

When a Black man in his 40s pulled up outside in a white Toyota sedan, she handed over the money.

Eventually, she was able to reach her daughter — and realized it had all been a scam.

For now, no arrests have been made and the case remains under investigation.

According to the FBI, "millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme" each year, "including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams — just to name a few."

"Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite," the FBI writes. "They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit — all of which make them attractive to scammers."

Tips to stay safe include recognizing scam attempts and ending all communication with the perpetrator; never giving personal information or valuables to "unverified people or businesses"; and creating a shared verbal family password or phrase that no one else knows.

"Resist the pressure to act quickly," the FBI writes. "Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action."

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He said her daughter had been in a car crash. It was a scam.

Savannah man arrested for exploitation of an elderly person in Evans County

By Summer Swanson

EVANS COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The GBI announced they have arrested and charged 51-year-old Duane Ellington Nunnally with Exploitation of an Elderly Person, Filing False Documents, and Theft by Taking.

Back in August 2025, Evans County Probate Judge Darin McCoy filed a report regarding potential elder abuse. As the investigation into the the exploitation of an elderly individual progressed, the Evans County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI for assistance.

The investigation led to Nunnally’s arrest on Monday, January 26.

Nunnally was booked into the Tattnall County Jail.

The GBI says once the investigation is complete, the case will be given to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Nunnally released the following statement after the arrest:

All those fake charges that are being made against me are fraudulent. Everyone knows the type of man I am— a community leader, a stand-up guy that treats every race with dignity. This is a family dispute over my father. My friends at the U.S. Marshals Services contacted me about the allegations and charges. They then took me to Tattnall County jail privately and I was released.

Duane Nunnally

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Savannah man arrested for exploitation of an elderly person in Evans County 

Wendy Williams' Ex-Husband's Guardianship Bid Tossed By Judge

Story by Afouda Bamidele

Kevin Hunter has hit a significant setback in his attempts to score $250 million in compensatory damages in Wendy Williams' guardianship drama.

The media personality, best known as the former talk show host's ex-husband, recently had his lawsuit dismissed. The update came months after he filed his allegations on behalf of his former partner; however, she repeatedly denied supporting his lawsuit.

Wendy Williams alleged that her ex-husband's filing did not stem from concern, as he claimed, but rather from his interest in earning a quick cash grab. Her former beau had previously butted heads with the showrunners of her defunct TV program, "The Wendy Williams Show."

Wendy Williams' Ex-Husband Told Not To Drag Her Into His Lawsuit

When Hunter filed his lawsuit in June, he claimed to be doing so on behalf of Williams, who was allegedly being held in an unfair and unlawful guardianship. Many slammed his actions, arguing that he had no right to pursue the end of the court-ordered guardianship as an ex-husband.

The court seemingly agreed with this stance, as new legal documents obtained by TMZ revealed a judge had dismissed Hunter's guardianship bid. The order noted that he could not pursue the lawsuit as a "friend" of Williams, as he claimed, and told him to leave her out of it.

Although he lost his attempt to score $250 million in compensatory damages, Hunter still had another opportunity. The judge stated that he could refile his allegations without Williams, stressing that the amended complaint must be on his own behalf.

The Former Talk Show Host Denied Sanctioning The $250 Million Lawsuit

Following news of Hunter's failed lawsuit, Williams called in during Thursday's episode of "TMZ Live Stream" to address the situation. She doubled down on not approving of her ex-husband's legal efforts and believed he wanted to make a quick cash grab.

Williams echoed similar sentiments in June after Hunter filed his $250 million lawsuit. The Blast covered the story, reporting that she clarified she had no part in the legal drama and was shocked her ex listed her as a plaintiff in the documents.

The former talk show host advised the public to dismiss Hunter's filing, claiming the move did not surprise her because of his tendency to engage in exploitative schemes. Williams' attorney, Joe Tacopina, added that Hunter had no right to fight Williams' guardianship and insisted his help was unnecessary.

More About Kevin Hunter's Guardianship Bid

In his legal filing, Hunter demanded the end of Williams' guardianship and accused her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, of scathing allegations. He alleged that his ex-wife was involuntarily confined, facing mistreatment, and the mismanagement of her assets.

Hunter argued that Williams' guardianship was an illegal scheme, slamming the judge for denying her proper legal representation and not reviewing the facts properly before deeming her "cognitively impaired."

He spotlighted the claim that his ex did not receive an independent medical examination to determine if she had dementia before being placed under guardianship. Additionally, Hunter alleged that Williams has since been overmedicated and unnecessarily restricted.

The Media Personality Previously Clashed With His Ex-Wife's Producers

Hunter is no stranger to lawsuits, as he clashed with the producers of his ex-wife's former talk show. The Blast shared that he filed a complaint against the showrunners in 2023, claiming that he was wrongfully terminated from his position as executive producer.

According to Hunter, he was let go after Williams filed for divorce in 2019. He argued that his termination was unjust because producers wanted him gone based on his marital status without considering his contributions to the TV program.

Hunter wanted $7 million in compensation, and producers initially lost their request to dismiss the lawsuit. However, in April 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit overturned the decision, arguing that Hunter implied he was terminated over his relationship with Williams instead of his marital status.

Wendy Williams To Be Deposed in Lifetime Documentary Lawsuit

Before the latest update in her ex-husband's $250 million lawsuit, The Blast reported in September that Williams was scheduled to be deposed in the Lifetime documentary between her court-appointed guardian and A&E Television Networks.

A judge extended the stay of the legal proceedings while Williams' separate guardianship case was being reviewed and granted A&E the right to depose the TV personality. The deposition would hold as a "de bene esse" on November 4.

A "de bene esse" deposition was held in situations when a witness's ability to testify later on might decline due to circumstances like "age, health, or fading memory." In Williams' case, the judge noted that the law did not stop her from being deposed despite her alleged dementia diagnosis.

Will the dismissal of Kevin Hunter's lawsuit stop him from inserting himself in Wendy Williams' guardianship case?  

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Wendy Williams' Ex-Husband's Guardianship Bid Tossed By Judge 

See Also:
Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Will Reportedly End This Year

Chattanooga healthcare employee charged with financial exploitation of elderly man

by Courtney Goins 

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) arrested a woman for the financial exploitation of an elderly man. 

On January 23, deputies arrested 55-year-old AccentCare Home Health employee Lola Johnson.

Johnson is accused of making unauthorized charges using an elderly man's credit or debit card. 

Those charges totaled to nearly $8,000 over a 21-day period, according to HCSO. They state that $2,500 of those charges happened after the victim was placed in a nursing facility. 

Johnson now faces the following charges: 

• Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Adult
• Felony Theft over $1,000
• Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card over $2,500
• Identity Theft
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia

During a search warrant of Johnson's home, investigators found packages consistent with the fraudulent purchases made on the victim's card. They also found drug paraphernalia and a firearm. 

Johnson is set to appear in court on March 10.  

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Chattanooga healthcare employee charged with financial exploitation of elderly man