In a significant development within the legal community of Detroit, Michigan, a federal indictment has been issued against 36th District Court Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin, attorney Avery Bradley, and two associates, Nancy Williams and Dwight Rashad. The accused face allegations of embezzling funds from incapacitated adults who were under the protection of the court.
The charges brought forth include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of money laundering. An additional charge of making a false statement to federal agents has been leveled against Bradley-Baskin. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the accused diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for the care and benefit of those adults deemed unable to manage their own affairs.
The investigation, which involved the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office, and the Wayne County Probate Court, revealed that Williams owned Guardian and Associates, a fiduciary agency appointed to oversee the well-being of these vulnerable adults. Bradley and Bradley-Baskin operated a law firm that frequently worked with Guardian and Associates in probate cases, while Rashad managed multiple residential facilities for elderly individuals, including court wards.
One notable instance detailed in the indictment is Bradley-Baskin's alleged misuse of a ward's funds to acquire a $70,000 stake in a local bar and finance a two-year lease on a luxury vehicle. Furthermore, Bradley, Williams, and Rashad are accused of redirecting $203,000 from a legal settlement intended for a ward, without any of the funds benefiting the individual in question.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon condemned the alleged actions as a "grievous abuse of our public trust," asserting that those in positions of power have a responsibility to act with integrity. FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan underscored that the law applies equally to all, regardless of societal position, and promised justice for those who exploit the vulnerable.
In response to the indictment, Bradley-Baskin was removed from her judicial docket to maintain public confidence in the judiciary, a measure Chief Judge William McConico clarified does not impinge on the presumption of innocence but serves to ensure transparency during the legal proceedings.
The case underlines the potential systemic weaknesses in the guardianship system and underscores the need for stringent oversight. Legal experts and authorities alike stress the importance of fiduciaries prioritizing the interests of their wards over personal gain, and this indictment represents a firm stance by federal authorities to uphold this principle.
Bradley-Baskin, who has served on Detroit's 36th District Court since 2023, now faces heightened scrutiny regarding her conduct and the effectiveness of safeguards designed to protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, while the judge's position is officially nonpartisan, her campaign received support from groups commonly associated with Democratic and progressive causes, as reported by Resist the Mainstream.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging individuals with information related to Guardian & Associates or Tri-State Guardian Services to come forward to assist in identifying all potential victims. As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about accountability within the local justice system and the measures necessary to prevent such breaches of trust.
